Electromagnetic Waves and Refraction Flashcards Preview

Physics: Waves > Electromagnetic Waves and Refraction > Flashcards

Flashcards in Electromagnetic Waves and Refraction Deck (9)
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1
Q

What are EM waves?

A

Transverse waves that transfer energy from a source to an absorber.

2
Q

What are the 7 groups of EM waves?

A
Radio waves
Microwaves
Infrared
Visible light 
Ultraviolet
X-Rays 
Gamma Rays
3
Q

Why is there such a large range of frequencies?

A

Because EM waves are generated by a variety of changes in atoms and their nuclei

4
Q

What is refraction?

A

When a wave/light bends as it travels into a different density material

5
Q

What does refraction depend on?

A

How much the wave speeds up or slows down (which usually depends on the density of the material). If a wave slows down, it will bend towards the normal. If it speeds up, it bends away

6
Q

What happens to the wavelength and the frequency when a wave is refracted?

A

The wavelength changes, but the frequency stays the same

7
Q

What happens to the wave if it is travelling along the normal?

A

It will change speed, but it is NOT refracted

8
Q

The higher the optical density…

A

The slower light waves travel through it

9
Q

What are EM waves made up of?

A

Oscillating electric and magnetic fields