Properties of Light Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves (particles vibrate perpendicular to wave direction) that consist of oscillating electric and magnetic fields which radiate outward from the source at the speed of light.

Properties of Light The electromagnetic spectrum shows all the possible electromagnetic waves: From largest to smallest frequency they are: Radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, UV light, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Properties of Light Right now, we will only be talking about visible light. White light = all colors blended together. When white light is separated out (like in a prism) you can see the colors of the visible spectrum. ROY G BIV, with red light having the longest wavelength and violet having the shortest wavelength.

Properties of Light

Properties of Light Remember: the speed of sound in air is approximately equal to 345 m/s The speed of light is 3.0 x 108 m/s Because light does not need a material medium to travel through, the speed of light NEVER changes. Speed of light = c = 3.0 x 108 m/s And c is a constant.

Properties of Light c = fλ With sound v = fλ, and we can use the same equation. c = fλ All electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light. Since c is a constant, frequency and wavelength determine what type of EM wave you have.

Properties of Light When describing EM waves, the prefix is important, so remember your SI prefixes! The following are the most used prefixes for EM waves: M = mega = 106 k = kilo = 103 m = milli = 10-3 µ = micro = 10-6 n = nano = 10-9