EM Spectrum Study Guide

Front

What is the cause of EM waves?

Back

They are formed when an electric field couples with a magnetic field.

Front

Define photon:

Back

A photon is a tiny particle that comprises waves of electromagnetic radiation (light).

Front

Define visible light:

Back

The visible spectrum is the band of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye.

Front

Define refraction in relation to EM waves:

Back

Refraction is the deflection or bending of electromagnetic waves when they pass from one kind of transparent medium into another.

Front

Describe how colors of the rainbow are produced when it rains and is sunny?

Back

When light meets a water droplet, it is refracted at the boundary of air and water, and enters the droplet, where the light is dispersed into the seven colors. The rainbow effect occurs because the light is then reflected inside the droplet and finally refracted out again into the air.

Front

What is the correct order of the visible light spectrum?

Back

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. (Basically a rainbow.)

Front

How does an EM wave produce both an electric and magnetic field?

Back

A changing magnetic field will induce a changing electric field and vice versa—the two are linked. Electricity and magnetism are needed to create EM waves.

Front

How do EM waves travel the fastest?

Back

Vacuum; at the speed of light

3.00 x 10⁸.

Front

Which types of EM waves can cause cell damage?

Back

UV, x-rays, and gamma rays.

Front

How does a microwave heat up food or water, but not the container?

Back

The microwaves cause the water molecules to vibrate which causes heat.