Electromagnetic Spectrum Components of the Spectrum

Speed of light= 3.0 x 108 m/s Speed of sound 340 m/s Thus what

Wavelength The distance from crest to crest of a wave.

Frequency How often a wave occurs over a given period of time.

Let’s put them together

Formula you need to know Wavelength x frequency = speed of light λ*ν = c c= speed of light λ = wavelength ν = frequency

How do those terms fit in the spectrum? High wavelength Low wavelength Low frequency High frequency

Wave characteristics affect how much energy released Long wavelength short wavelength Low frequency High frequency Low energy High energy

Components of Electromagnetic Spectrum

Gamma Rays

X-Rays

Ultraviolet Light

Visible light is a small part High energy Low energy

Infrared

Microwaves

Radio Waves

When do we see the light? When atoms gain energy they jump up an energy level = unstable To get back to stable it releases the energy to fall back down This energy released is light Depending on the atom = different wavelength of light