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PS-EM Spectrum(Ch17)
Electromagnetic Spectrum - Ch. 17 Prentice Hall Science Explorer - Physical Sci
Term | Definition |
---|---|
electromagnetic wave | transverse waves that transfer electrical and magnetic energy |
electromagnetic radiation | the energy transferred through space by electromagnetic waves |
polarized light | light that vibrates in only one direction |
photoelectric effect | the ejection of electrons from a substance when light is shined upon it. |
photon | a tiny particle or packet of light energy |
electromagnetic spectrum | the complete range of electromagnetic waves placed in order of increasing frequency |
radio waves | electromagnetic waves with the longest wavelengths and lowest frequencies |
microwaves | radio waves with the shortest wavelengths and the highest frequencies |
radar | a system that uses reflected radio waves to detect objects and measure their distance and speed |
infrared waves | electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than radio waves, but longer than visible light |
thermogram | an image that shows regions of different temperatures in different colors |
visible light | electromagnetic waves that are visible to the human eyes |
ultraviolet rays | electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than visible light, but longer than X-rays |
X-rays | electromagnetic waves with wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet rays, but longer than gamma rays |
gamma rays | electromagnetic waves with the shortest wavelengths and highest frequencies |
illuminated | word used to describe an object that can be seen because it reflects light |
luminous | word used to describe an object that can be seen because it emits light |
spectroscope | an instrument used to view the different colors of light produced by different light sources |
incandescent light | light bulb that glows when a filament inside gets white hot |
tungsten-halogen bulb | incandescent light bulb containing a tungsten filament and a halogen gas |
fluorescent light | light bulb that glows when an electric current causes ultraviolet rays to strike a coating inside a tube |
vapor light | light bulb containing neon or argon gas along with a small amount of solid sodium or mercury |
neon light | glass tube containing neon gas that produces light |
amplitude modulation | a method of transmitting signals by changing the amplitude of a wave |
frequency modulation | a method of transmitting signals by changing the frequency of a wave |