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Unit 8C Spectrum
EM Spectrum/Theories of Universe
Term | Definition |
---|---|
wavelength | the distance between any two corresponding points on successive oscillations of a wave, such as from peak to peak |
electromagnetic spectrum | grouping of all possible energy levels of electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to gamma rays |
electromagnetic radiation | the type of energy released by stars consisting of electric and magnetic waves that travel at the speed of light |
radiation | transfer of energy by the movement of electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles |
radio waves | electromagnetic waves with long wavelengths and low frequencies |
microwaves | electromagnetic waves that are between radio waves and infrared waves in the electromagnetic spectrum |
infrared waves | electromagnetic waves with longer wavelengths than visible light but shorter than micro waves |
light waves | electromagnetic waves with a frequency between ultraviolet and infrared waves, usually visible |
ultraviolet waves | electromagnetic waves with a shorter wavelength than visible light but longer than X-rays |
x-rays | electromagnetic waves that are the second highest in energy and are used in medical and astronomical applications |
gamma rays | electromagnetic waves with the highest energy; produced by supernovas, destruction of atoms, or decay of radioactive material. |
radio astronomy | the study of celestial objects that emit radio waves |
cosmic microwave background (CMB) | electromagnetic radiation left over from early development of the universe; it fills the universe; key proof of the Big Bang theory |
redshift | the change in wavelength that allows us to determine that an object is moving away from us |
frequency | the number of waves that pass a point of reference in a certain time (per second) |
amplitude | the height of the wave from center line to either the crest or the trough |