All Flashcards
Compare and contrast radio waves and gamma rays in terms of wavelength, frequency, and energy.
Radio Waves: Longest wavelength, lowest frequency, lowest energy. Gamma Rays: Shortest wavelength, highest frequency, highest energy.
Compare and contrast the effects of high-frequency and low-frequency electromagnetic waves on living tissue.
High-Frequency (UV, X-rays, Gamma rays): High energy, can be harmful, cause ionization. Low-Frequency (Infrared, Microwaves, Radio waves): Lower energy, generally not harmful, cause heating.
How are electromagnetic waves generated?
Electromagnetic waves are generated by the vibration of charged particles, which creates oscillating electric and magnetic fields that propagate through space.
Describe how to calculate frequency given wavelength and speed of light.
- Recall the formula:
- Rearrange the formula to solve for frequency:
- Substitute the values of the speed of light (c) and wavelength (λ) into the formula.
- Calculate the frequency (f).
Define electromagnetic waves.
Transverse waves created by vibrating charged particles that can travel through a vacuum.
Define wavelength (λ).
The distance between two successive crests or troughs of a wave.
Define frequency (f).
The number of complete wave cycles that pass a point in a given unit of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).
Define the electromagnetic spectrum.
The entire range of electromagnetic waves, categorized by their wavelengths and frequencies.
Define the speed of light (c).
The speed at which all electromagnetic waves travel in a vacuum, approximately .
Define transverse wave.
A wave where the oscillations are perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer.