unit 1 Flashcards
(72 cards)
What is a wave?
A disturbance that transfers energy without permanent displacement
Waves can be classified into different types based on their characteristics.
Define crest.
Highest point in the wave
The crest is crucial in understanding wave properties.
Define trough.
Lowest point in the wave
The trough is the counterpart to the crest.
What is amplitude?
The height of a crest or depth of a trough, measured from rest position
A larger amplitude indicates more energy in the wave.
What is wavelength?
Distance from crest to crest or trough to trough
Wavelength is a key factor in determining the properties of a wave.
What is frequency?
The number of oscillations (up and down movements) in a given time
Frequency is typically measured in Hertz (Hz).
What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?
As wavelength increases, frequency decreases (inverse relationship)
This relationship is fundamental in wave mechanics.
What are transverse waves?
Waves where electric and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other
Common examples include light waves.
What are longitudinal waves?
Waves where matter moves back and forth
Sound waves are a primary example of longitudinal waves.
What are mechanical waves?
Waves that move through matter
Mechanical waves require a medium to propagate.
What are electromagnetic waves?
Waves that move through empty space
Electromagnetic waves include visible light, radio waves, and X-rays.
What is the electromagnetic spectrum?
A range of all types of electromagnetic radiation
The spectrum includes various forms of radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.
Fill in the blank: Short wavelength, _______ energy.
high
High-energy radiation can be more harmful than low-energy radiation.
Fill in the blank: Long wavelength, _______ energy.
low
Low-energy radiation is generally less harmful.
What are ionizing and non-ionizing radiation?
Ionizing radiation has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms; non-ionizing radiation does not
This distinction is crucial in fields such as health physics.
What is the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum?
Radiowave
Radiowaves allow us to watch TV.
What is the primary use of microwaves?
Transfer energy to your food
Microwaves heat food.
What do we feel as heat that is used in heaters?
Infrared
Infrared radiation is often used in heating applications.
What part of the electromagnetic spectrum is visible light?
Only part of the spectrum we can see
Visible light is the portion of the spectrum visible to the human eye.
What type of light is invisible, has a short wavelength, and can cause sunburns?
Ultraviolet
Ultraviolet light is harmful and can lead to skin damage.
What allows us to see bones in our bodies?
X-ray
X-rays are commonly used in medical imaging.
What has the shortest wavelength and is used to treat some cancers?
Gamma rays
Gamma rays are the most dangerous form of electromagnetic radiation.
What happens to light when it passes through a prism?
It is refracted
A prism slows down white light and bends it.
What are the three primary colors of light?
Red, Blue, Green
These colors can be mixed to create secondary colors.