What is Light? - Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Write this statement down in your notebook:

Light is a ​ (a)   wave.

• transverse
• longitudinal
• static
• mechanical

In your notes, label the Crest as the top of the “hill peak” of a wave. The Trough is the bottom “valley” of a wave. The Amplitude (A) is the height of the wave. The Wavelength (𝜆) is the length of the wave from crest to crest. Frequency (𝜈) can’t really be labeled, but it is how often a wave happens!

What is the symbol for Wavelength?

• 𝜈

• 𝜆

• A

Different frequencies on the Electromagnetic Spectrum produce different kinds of ​ (a)   .

• light
• sound
• gravity
• magnetism

All types of light on the Electromagnetic Spectrum (visible and non-visible) are referred to as:

• Electromagnetic Radiation

• Alpha Decay

• Captured or Emitted Radiation

• Electromagnetic Wavelengths

True or False: We have found modern technology uses for all types of light on the Electromagnetic Spectrum.

• True

• False

True or False: X-rays are not considered light because we cannot see x-rays.

• True, x-rays are not light.

• False, everything on the electromagnetic spectrum is considered light.

The speed of light is equal to:

• the wavelength multiplied by the frequency.

• the wavelength divided by the frequency.

• the wavelength divided by the amplitude.

• the wavelength multiplied by the crest.

Microwaves, gamma rays, and radio waves are all types of ________.

• Electromagnetic Radiation

• Sound Waves

• Mechanical Energy

• Nuclear Particles

Light consists of oscillating ​ (a)   and ​ (b)   fields.

• electric
• magnetic
• gravitational
• thermal
• nuclear
• chemical

Light in a vacuum always moves at roughly ________.

• 3,000 m/s.

• 300,000 m/s

• 300,000,000 m/s

• 3,000,000,000 m/s