Electromagnetic Waves: Terms, Definitions, and Interactions, Quizzes of Mathematics

Download Electromagnetic Waves: Terms, Definitions, and Interactions and more Quizzes Mathematics in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Wave DEFINITION 1 A travelling disturbance that carries energy from one place to another without requiring matter to travel across the intervening distance. TERM 2 Wavelength DEFINITION 2 The distance between adjacent wave crests, the highest points of adjacent waves. TERM 3 Frequency (measured in hertz) DEFINITION 3 The number of wave crests that go by a given point every second. A wave completing one cycle (sending 1 crest by a point every second) has a frequency of 1 Hertz (Hz). TERM 4 Interference DEFINITION 4 When waves from two different sources come together at a single point, they interfere with each other. The observed wave amplitude is the sum of the amplitudes of the interfering waves. TERM 5 Electromagnetic Wave/Radiation DEFINITION 5 A form of radiant energy that reacts with matter by being transmitted, absorbed, or scattered. A self-propagating wave made up of electric and magnetic fields fluctuating together. A wave created when electrical charges accelerate, but requiring no medium for transfer. TERM 6 Light DEFINITION 6 A form of electromagnetic wave to which the human eye is sensitive. Light travels at a constant speed and needs no medium for transfer. TERM 7 Speed of Light (c) DEFINITION 7 The velocity at which all electromagnetic waves travel, regardless of their wavelength or frequency; equal to 300,000 kilometers per second (about 186,000 miles per second). TERM 8 Doppler Effect DEFINITION 8 The change in frequency or wavelength of a wave detected by an observer because the source of the wave is moving. TERM 9 Transmission DEFINITION 9 One of three responses of an electromagnetic wave encountering matter, in which light energy passes through the matter unaffected. TERM 10 Refraction DEFINITION 10 A response of an electromagnetic wave to matter, in which the wave slows down and alters direction.