Electromagnetic Waves

Light Waves
 Definition and Properties of Electromagnetic Waves(Nkosi)

.Electromagnetic waves are the combination of electronic and magnetic fields due to the vibration of them
when they make contact. The electronic and magnetic fields are perpendicular to each other.

. Electromagnetic waves travel at a speed of 3.00 x 108 ms^-1 and cannot be deflected by the electronic
and magnetic fields but it is still possible for them to show interference or infraction.

.Electromagnetic waves are capable of travelling through solids, liquids and gases since it does not require a
medium to travel.

. The highest point of the electromagnetic wave is called the crest and

the lowest point of it is called the trough.

.Electromagnetic waves have a range of frequencies which is known

as the electromagnetic spectrum.

Light Waves are forms of moving energy made of tiny microscopic particles called
photons. The size of a light wave is called the wavelength and how often the light
wave occurs is called the frequency. The top of a light wave is called the crest and the
bottom of a light wave is called the trough. The distance between the crest and the
light wave’s central axis is called the amplitude. Each wave of light undergoes 5 main
properties;

Reflection of Light and Refraction of Light

Dispersion - whenever a white light passes through a prism it divides into different
shades dependent on its on wavelength

Diffraction - bending light across tiny obstacle angles

Polarisation - light waves travelling in a single plane motion

. Light waves is the only range of electromagnetic waves on the spectrum that is visible to the human
eye.

. These waves fall between ultraviolet and infrared waves.

. It spans a range of wavelengths and colors, from approximately 380 nanometers where the colour
violet is present to 700 nanometers which shows red.

. Beyond the colours red to violet are many other kinds of light the human eye cannot see.
 Sources of light waves (Rasean)

A light source is a an object or body that main function is producing

● The Sun(stars):

● A light bulb:

● Fireflies:
 Sources of light waves

The Sun(stars)
We are able to see the sun’s surface because of the light rays that travels from
the Corona, it’s outermost layer to the earth. These rays gradually become
more parallel as they reach earth and bounce of objects to make them visible
to our eyes.(This also applies to start at night)
 Sources of light waves

A Light Bulb
A light bulb spread light rays buy super heating a filament that instead of burning
produces light ray that illuminates the area. When a light is lit the light spreads from
the bulb at a beam angle that determine how spread out or Intense the light will be. If
the beam angle is broad the light would spread out more but it would be less intense
or diffracted and and if narrow it would be less broad nut more intense.
 Sources of light waves

Fireflies
Through the of chemicals, enzymes used to accelerate bodily processes and ATP
gathered through respiration, the firefly is able to attract a mate buy flashing the
light produced in it’s abdomen as a result. This instance is interesting because it
is light produced biologically through chemical reactions that produce so little
energy, yet can still produce light.
 Uses of Light Waves (Rasean)

You may not realize it, but light rays are very commonplace in modern day
society. From recreational to life saving there are are plethora of different every
day use of light rays that may go under your nose.
 Uses of Light Waves

These Uses Include:

Photographs-A photographic image is created by capturing various amounts of light reflected

MRI scans-Lighting in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan Rooms must be DC lighting. Within the
DC lighting fixtures, DC light bulbs must be used.

Cellular Devices-Light is emitted from leds behind your phone screen in order to create an image
in front.
 Ways of detection (Rasean)

The ways of detection of light waves vary depending on the type of light wave and the
application. Some common methods include:
●The human eye: The human eye can detect visible light waves.
●Photodiodes: Photodiodes are electronic devices that can detect light waves and convert
them into electrical signals.
●CCD (charge-coupled device) cameras: CCD cameras can detect light waves and convert
them into digital images.
●Spectrometers: Spectrometers can detect and measure the properties of light waves.
●Interferometers: Interferometers can detect and measure the interference of light waves.
These are just a few of the many ways that light waves can be detected. The specific method
that is used will depend on the specific application.
 Interesting Facts about Light Waves (Zimran)

Unlike Sound Waves, Light Waves are able to pass through empty spaces.

As the name suggests, Light Waves travel in the form of waves; like ripples in a tank of water.

Light waves are very similar to longitude waves, in that they both travel in straight lines, however, stars that are
further away resemble transverse waves because the waves runs perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

Light travels at 671 million miles per hour, being this fast means that if you were to be next to a Black Hole and
look into it, you’d be able to see the back of your own head since light gets trapped in Black Holes.

Long Wavelengths have short energy and Short Wavelengths have high energy

Light Waves are made up of photons; the smallest particle of light

Light Waves are made up of all the colors mixed together