THE NATURE OF LIGHT

Mr. Joni M. Albarico

A REVIEW OF ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES

These are waves produced by oscillating charges. They can travel through a vacuum or material substance. They are transverse in nature. There are seven identified classes of electromagnetic waves.

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

A CLOSER VIEW ON THE EM WAVES

RADIO WAVES
These include TV signals and AM and FM radio signals. They have the longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum which may be several kilometers. They have also the least energy in the family of EM waves.

MICROWAVES
EM waves that have wavelengths in the range of centimeters. They are used to carry communication signals over long distances (space probes). Also used in cooking.

INFRARED WAVES
EM waves that have wavelengths slightly longer than wavelengths of red visible light. The warming effect of the sun is an example of infrared radiation. Can be used to produce detailed image of objects (weather forecasting)

ULTRAVIOLET WAVES
Invisible waves that lies just beyond the violet light Has higher energy and frequency but shorter wavelengths compared to visible light. Has enough energy to pass through clouds. UV can be used to kill germs and disinfect objects.

X-RAYS
EM waves with wavelengths less than 108 m Highly useful in medical imaging Contain a lot of energy that may give detrimental effects to tissues

GAMMA RAYS
EM waves with the highest energy and frequency Shortest wavelength Most penetrating Exposure to these rays may pose danger Can be used to treat cancer

THE NATURE OF LIGHT

DEBATES ON THE NATURE OF LIGHT

Particle or Corpuscular Theory Wave Theory of Light Dual Nature of Light

DEBATES ON THE NATURE OF LIGHT

Particle or Corpuscular Theory Wave Theory of Light Dual Nature of Light