Properties of Visible Light

Properties of Visible Light

​

There are two (2) main types of waves

• Electromagnetic waves

• Mechanical waves

Electromagnetic waves (Light Waves)

• ​Combination of electric and magnetic energy that travel as particles called photons.

• DO NOT require a MEDIUM to travel through

• Transmit energy from one location to another

• Ex: Light waves, radio waves, x-rays​

Mechanical Waves

• REQUIRE a MEDIUM to travel through .

• Ex: Sound waves, earthquake waves, water waves

• Also transmit energy from one place to another.

Multiple Choice

Electromagnetic and mechanical waves are the same.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

An example of an electromagnetic wave is a radio wave.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Sound is an example of a mechanical wave.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Electromagnetic waves DO NOT require a medium to travel.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

A substance that makes possible the transfer of energy from one location to another, especially through waves.

• Vacuum

• Car or Truck

• Medium

• Energy

Look at the types of waves and their relative wavelength and frequencies. Which waves would carry more energy and are more dangerous.

Multiple Choice

All electromagnetic waves have the same wavelength and frequency.

• True

• False

Please watch the following video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwfJPc-rSXw

​

​

COPY AND PASTE INTO SEARCH BAR

Visible Light

The range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation that our eyes can detect

Spectrum

The band of colors produced when light is separated into its component wavelengths

Transmit

to pass through a medium

Refract

to bend or change direction of a wave. In this case light passing through the water is bent causing the illusion that the straw is bent.

Reflect

to bounce back

Electromagnetic Waves

Light is made of electromagnetic waves that do not need a medium in which to travel. Actually, light waves are a combination of electric and magnetic energy that travel as particles called photons. These photons have different wavelengths along the electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Waves

In order of decreasing wavelengths, they are the following: radio waves (lowest-energy photos), microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays (highest-energy photons). Notice that visible light is only a small portion of the entire electromagnetic spectrum.

Electromagnetic Waves

In a vacuum, all wavelengths travel at the same speed of 300,000,000 meters/second, which is 186,000 miles/second. Frequency refers to the number of waves that pass a given point in a given period of time (usually 1 second).

Electromagnetic Waves

Electromagnetic waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequencies; in other words, fewer waves pass a given point each second. Electromagnetic waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequencies, which means more waves pass a given point each second.

Visible Light and Color

• Visible light is the only part of the electromagnetic spectrum human eyes can detect. 

• Wavelengths ranging from about 400 to 700 nanometers (nm). 

• Each of these different wavelengths corresponds to a different color. 

• We see the longest wavelengths of visible light as red light. 

• We see the shortest wavelengths as violet light.

Multiple Choice

In the visible spectrum of light, red light has the longest wavelength.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Waves with higher frequencies have greater amounts of energy.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Radio waves are more dangerous than gamma rays.

• True

• False

Content Connections Video - Properties of Light

Complete this video on STEMscopes. You do not need to answer the STEMscopes questions.

Open Ended

What 3 things can happen when light shines on an object?

Open Ended

Describe what happens to light when it is reflected.

Open Ended

Why does a red ball appear red?

Open Ended

Describe the process of refraction.