Chapter 11 Key Terms Flashcards
(43 cards)
Photon
A tiny particle of light that carries energy
Radiation
a method of energy transfer that does not require a medium; the energy that travels at the speed of light
Electromagnetic Wave
A wave made of electric and magnetic fields that moves through space (light is one example).
Electromagnetic Spectrum
The full range of electromagnetic waves, from radio waves to gamma rays, includes visible light. Shows the different waves and energies
Incandescence
production of light from heat, diff temps produce diff colours
Electric Discharge
Light is made when electricity passes through a gas (like neon signs). electricity causes the gas to glow
Phosphorescence
producing light from phosphors which absorb UV light and slowly releases it in the form of visible light overtime
Fluorenscence
producing light when UV light is absorbed and energy is immediately released as visible light
Chemiluminescence
Light produced by a chemical reaction (like in glow sticks).
Bioluminescence
Light made by living things through chemical reactions (like fireflies).
Triboluminescence
Light is created when materials are scratched, rubbed, or broken (like biting into wintergreen mints and seeing a spark).
Luminous
Objects that give off their own light (like the sun or a lamp).
Non-luminous
Objects that do not produce their own light (like a book or a chair).
LED (light-emitting diode)
light produced as a result of an electric current flowing in semiconductors
Semi-conductor
- A material that can sometimes conduct electricity and is used in electronics, like LEDs.
- from note: materials that allow electric current to flow in only one direction
Light ray
A straight line that shows the direction light is travelling.
Geometric Optics
The study of how light travels and interacts with mirrors and lenses using straight lines.
- from note: the use of light rays to determine the path of light when it strikes on object
Incident Light
when light is emitted from a source and strikes an object.
Transparent
Materials that let all light pass through clearly (like glass).
- light passes through easily and allows objects behind it to be clearly seen
Translucent
Materials that let some light through but not clearly (like frosted glass).
- some light passes through. can;t clearly see objects behind
Opaque
Materials that do not let any light through (like wood or metal).
Image
A copy of an object made by light bouncing off a surface.
Mirror
A smooth surface that reflects light to form an image.
Reflection
the bouncing back of light from any surface
