5.1 EM Spectrum & Light Flashcard

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s) or about 186,282 miles per second (mi/s).

Front

What is a wave's wavelength?

Back

The distance between one point on a wave to the same point on the next wave, typically measured in meters.

Front

What is frequency in the context of waves?

Back

The number of waves that pass a given point in one second, measured in Hertz (Hz).

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What type of electromagnetic radiation has the longest wavelength?

Back

Radio waves.

Front

What type of electromagnetic radiation has the shortest wavelength?

Back

Gamma rays.

Front

What is amplitude in the context of waves?

Back

The maximum extent of a wave's oscillation, measured from the rest position to the crest or trough.

Front

What is the visible spectrum?

Back

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, typically ranging from about 400 to 700 nanometers.

Front

What is the formula for calculating the speed of a wave?

Back

Speed = Wavelength × Frequency.