Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

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Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum
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Light as a Wave

• light is a visible form of energy
• most of the energy that surrounds us is invisible
• this energy travels in waves made of electric and
  magnetic fields
• called Electromagnetic Radiation

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• Light is the only form of energy that can travel
  like a wave through empty space and through some
  materials.

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• Light waves are called electromagnetic waves.
  Similar to water waves, light waves involve the
  movement of energy from one point to another.
  These waves are invisible and can travel through
  a vacuum. (This means they do not require
  particles of matter in order to move.) The waves
  travel at 3 x 108 m/s (the speed of light).

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Light as a Wave

• Electromagnetic Spectrum the entire range of
  visible and invisible energy waves

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Properties of Waves
wavelength
amplitude
amplitude
wavelength
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Wavelengths of the Electro-Magnetic Spectrum
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Wavelength and Colour
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Seeing Colour
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How Light is Transmitted
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Transparent allows light to pass through
Translucent allows some light to pass through
Opaque allows no light to pass through
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Light Reflection

• The reason we see objects is because they reflect
  light

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Smooth Surface
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Rough Surface