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The document discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, explaining how electromagnetic waves are created and their ability to travel through various mediums. It outlines the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy, as well as the specific regions of the spectrum, including radio waves and X-rays. Additionally, it covers the visible light spectrum, detailing how white light can be separated into its component colors and the significance of wavelength in determining color.

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2 views2 pages

Lesson Notes

The document discusses the electromagnetic spectrum, explaining how electromagnetic waves are created and their ability to travel through various mediums. It outlines the relationship between wavelength, frequency, and energy, as well as the specific regions of the spectrum, including radio waves and X-rays. Additionally, it covers the visible light spectrum, detailing how white light can be separated into its component colors and the significance of wavelength in determining color.

Uploaded by

yashas222009
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

© The Physics Classroom [Link].

com/Physics-Video-Tutorial/Light-and-Color

Electromagnetic and Visible Light Spectrum


Lesson Notes
Learning Outcomes
• How are the various regions of the electromagnetic spectrum organized with respect to
frequency, wavelength, and energy?
• How are wavelength and frequency related to the various colors of the visible light
spectrum?
Electromagnetic Waves
• An electromagnetic (EM) wave is created by a vibrating
electric charge.
• As an EM wave propagates through space, there is an
oscillating electric (E) and magnetic (B) field.
• Electromagnetic waves are not mechanical waves;
mechanical waves require a physical medium.
• Electromagnetic waves can travel through solids,
liquids, gases, and empty space. A medium is not
required for EM wave propagation.
Animation Credit: [Link]

The Electromagnetic Spectrum


• There is a vast range of frequencies and wavelengths for electromagnetic waves.
• This spectrum of electromagnetic wave frequencies can be divided into regions, with
waves within each region having similar behaviors and/or uses.
• Wavelength (𝝺) varies inversely with frequency (f).
• Energy (E) varies directly with frequency (f).
• All waves have the same speed (v) in the same medium.

Regions of the EM Spectrum


• The behavior of an EM wave is dependent upon its 𝞴, f, and E.
• Radio waves (long 𝝺) are used for communication because of their ability to diffract
around obstacles.
• X-rays (high E) can pass through tissue and are blocked by bones, teeth, etc. They are
used for medical imaging.
• Ultraviolet and higher frequencies are ionizing forms of radiation that can cause genetic
mutations and damage to human tissue. All other parts of the spectrum are non-ionizing.
The Visible Light Spectrum
The visible light portion of the EM
spectrum consists of wave frequencies
our eyes can detect. It is the narrowest
range of the entire EM spectrum.

ROYGBIV
• Visible light (a.k.a, white light) is dispersed (separated) into its
component colors by a triangular prism.
• Each color of the visible light spectrum corresponds to a specific
wavelength (or range of wavelengths).
• White light = R + O + Y + G + B + I + V.
• The color “black” = no visible light frequencies

Animation is Public Domain: [Link]

Wavelength, Frequency, and Energy

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