Transverse Waves Flashcards
(27 cards)
What are electromagnetic waves?
Electromagnetic waves are waves of energy that travel through space at the speed of light and consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields.
True or False: Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel.
False
What is the speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?
The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or 186,282 miles per second).
Fill in the blank: The electromagnetic spectrum ranges from _____ to _____ wavelengths.
radio waves to gamma rays
Which type of electromagnetic wave has the longest wavelength?
Radio waves
What are the two main components of an electromagnetic wave?
Electric field and magnetic field
True or False: All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.
True
What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in electromagnetic waves?
Frequency and wavelength are inversely related; as frequency increases, wavelength decreases.
What are microwaves commonly used for?
Microwaves are commonly used for communication and cooking food.
Which part of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible to the human eye?
Visible light
Fill in the blank: Ultraviolet radiation can cause _____ damage to the skin.
DNA
What is the frequency range of visible light?
Approximately 430 to 750 terahertz (THz).
True or False: Infrared waves are used in remote controls.
True
What type of electromagnetic wave is used for medical imaging?
X-rays
What is the primary source of electromagnetic waves?
Accelerated charges, such as electrons.
Fill in the blank: Gamma rays have the _____ energy in the electromagnetic spectrum.
highest
Which electromagnetic wave is primarily used for radio communication?
Radio waves
What is the phenomenon called when light changes direction as it passes from one medium to another?
Refraction
True or False: Electromagnetic waves can be polarized.
True
What does the term ‘amplitude’ refer to in an electromagnetic wave?
The maximum extent of a wave’s electric or magnetic field from its rest position.
What is the unit of frequency?
Hertz (Hz)
Fill in the blank: The wavelength of a wave is the distance between two _____ points.
consecutive
Which electromagnetic waves are primarily responsible for the greenhouse effect?
Infrared waves
What is the term for the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends?
Electromagnetic spectrum
