10.5 Flashcards
(14 cards)
Luminous
Releasing its own light.
Incandescent
Describes objects that emit light when they are hot.
Bioluminescent
Describes living things that release light energy.
Non-luminous
Describes objects that do not emit their own light, but can be seen by reflected light.
Scattered
Describes light sent in many directions by small particles within a substance.
Visible spectrum
different colours that combine to make up white light; they are separated in rainbows.
Dispersion
separation of the colours that make up white light. Each colour is bent differently when it enters or leaves a glass prism.
Electromagnetic radiation
the radiant energy such as radio waves, infra-red, visible light, X-rays and gamma rays released by magnetic or electric fields.
Electromagnetic spectrum
complete range of wavelengths of energy radiated as electric and magnetic fields.
Radio waves
low energy electromagnetic waves with a much lower frequency and longer wavelength than visible light.
Infra-red radiation
invisible radiation emitted by all warm objects. You feel infra-red radiation as heat.
Ultraviolet radiation
invisible radiation similar to light but with a slightly higher frequency and more energy.
X-rays
an electromagnetic wave of high energy and very short wavelength, which is able to pass through many materials opaque to light.
Gamma Rays
high energy electromagnetic radiation produced during nuclear reactions.
