Intro to Light: Electromagnetic Waves

Standard: Describe the properties and uses of forms of electromagnetic radiation from
radio frequencies through gamma radiation.

Warm up
•What is the main difference between
mechanical and electromagnetic waves?
1. Definition of Light: A visible range of the
electromagnetic spectrum that can be
detected by the human eye.
• 2) Light requires no medium to travel
– Can go through gases and
transparent/translucent liquids and solids.
– Transverse energy move perpendicular to the
direction the wave moves
– In addition, electric and magnetic fields are at
right angles (90 degrees) to each other

Electric Field
Direction
of travel
Magnetic Field towards
you
All electromagnetic waves travel at
3.0 x 108 m/s
–That means you would be able to
leap/run/skip 300 million meter sticks
in only one second!
 Activity 1
1. Label all the parts of the electromagnetic spectrum in order of
increasing frequency.
2. Radio Waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultra Violet, X-rays,
Gamma Rays
3. Label the trend arrows as well

Wavelength ___________
Frequency __________
Energy ___________
More _________ and___________
Velocity=____________________________
 4 Visible Light

1 Radio 2 7 Gamma
3 Infrared 5 Ultra Violet 6 X-Rays
waves Microwaves Rays

Wavelength (λ) Decreases

Frequency (f) Increases
Energy (E) Increases
More Penetration and Dangerous
 Wavelength (λ) Decreases

Frequency (f) Increases

Energy Increases

Velocity = 3.0 x 10 m/s

8
3.0 x 10V = λ • f 8
More Penetration and
Dangerous
For All Electromagnetic Waves
V=λ•f
• Velocity = 3.0 x 108 m/s for all electromagnetic
waves
• If you experience any of these you have an
electromagnetic wave and v = 3.0 x 108 m/s
• Radio Waves, Microwaves, Infrared, Visible
Light, Ultra Violet, X-rays, Gamma Rays
 Example 1
What is the frequency of an electromagnetic
wave if it has a wavelength of 1.0 km?
 Example 1
What is the frequency of an electromagnetic
wave if it has a wavelength of 1.0 km?
 Example 2
How long does it take for light from the sun to
reach Earth if the sun is 1.5 x 1011 m away?
 Example 2
How long does it take for light from the sun to
reach Earth if the sun is 1.5 x 1011 m away?
 Example 3
The AM radio band extends from 5.4 x 105 Hz to
1.7 x 106 Hz. What are the longest and shortest
wavelengths in this frequency range?
 Example 3
The AM radio band extends from 5.4 x 105 Hz to
1.7 x 106 Hz. What are the longest and shortest
wavelengths in this frequency range?
 Exit
What is the relationship between the
wavelength versus the frequency in the
electromagnetic spectrum?