1. Electromagnetic Waves
How to make light…
Transverse
Medium?

2. The electromagnetic spectrum
Continuous spectrum

3. Basic Concepts v = f v = c = speed of light = 3.00 x 108 m/s
f = frequency (Hz)
= wavelength (m)
1 nm = 1 x 10-9 m
Visible light 700 – 400 nm
Atom ≈ m
Nucleus ≈ m

4. What is the wavelength of a 91.1 MHz radio wave? (2)
v = f
1 MHz = 1 x 106 Hz
 = v/f = (3.00 x 108 m/s)/(91.1 x 106 Hz) = 3.29 m
3.29 m

5. Ex1 - What is the frequency of a 12.2 cm microwave? (ovens use this)
v = f
f = v/ = (3.00 x 108 m/s)/(.122 m) = 2.46 x 109 Hz
2.46 x 109 Hz

6. Ex2 - What is the frequency of a 600. nm light wave?
v = f
1 nm = 1 x 10-9 m
f = v/ = (3.00 x 108 m/s)/(600. x 10-9 m) = 5.00 x 1014 Hz
5.00 x 1014 Hz