Prisms &

Light as a
Wavelength
Learning
Objectives
● I can understand that
visible light has varying
wavelengths
● I understand the different
properties of wavelengths
● I know of different
applications of
electromagnetic radiation

2
Light as a Wavelength
● Light is both a particle and a wave
● We understand how light travels
using wavelengths
● The higher the frequency, the more
energy the wave has

3
Wavelengths
● Defined as the distance from one crest on
a wave to another
● The height of the wave is defined as the
amplitude
● The number of times the wavelength
repeats in a given timeframe is the
frequency

4
5
An inverse relationship between
wave size and frequency exists:
as wavelengths get smaller,
frequencies get higher.

6
 “
Where does it come from?

7
From Stars!

8
Refraction in a prism
How are
Rainbows
formed?
11
Rainbow Formation
● Raindrops act like tiny prisms. As the sun's rays enter a raindrop, some of
the light is reflected back
● The rest of the light is refracted into the water. The refracted light is spread
into the spectrum of colors.
● As the different wavelengths of light reach the back of the raindrop some
are refracted out of the raindrop.
● The rest of the light is reflected back into the water.
● Finally the light is refracted into the air.

12
Rainbow Formation

13
14
Radio Waves
● Have the longest wavelengths
and the lowest frequencies;
wavelengths range from
1000s of meters to .001 m
● Radio waves can even be
used as a telescope!

15
Microwaves
● Reflected by metal surfaces (don’t put
metal in a microwave oven!)
● Can heat materials by making
molecules vibrate
○ This is how microwave ovens work
○ The water in food absorbs
microwaves, causing the food to
warm up

16
Ultraviolet Rays
● High enough energy to kill living cells
● Useful to us for vitamin D production
● We are protected from UV rays from atmosphere

17
Gamma Rays
● Highest energy wavelength on the EMS
● Can be extremely harmful, but also used in
medical treatments
○ Can be used to kill cancer cells

18
Protecting us from EMR

19
 https://padlet.com/alexanderryl/dfl50hk4ryae6vkr

Activity
● Each row is assigned a wavelength to research. In
your own words, explain the wavelength or the
properties of the wavelength
● Describe an application of the wavelength in a
technology that we use today, and how that
technology uses the wavelength
● Post on jamboard
● If you are not researching, complete the check and
reflect questions 2-7 on p.220
20