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The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic Spectrum. The terms light , radiation , and electromagnetic wave can all be used to explain the same concept because they are All forms of electromagnetic radiation

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The Electromagnetic Spectrum

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  1. The Electromagnetic Spectrum • The terms light, radiation, and electromagnetic wave can all be used to explain the same concept because they are All forms of electromagnetic radiation • By using tools that detect various forms of electromagnetic radiation, astronomers are able to gain a lot of information on various objects

  2. The Electromagnetic Spectrum • The electromagnetic spectrum is the complete spectrum or continuum of light including radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet light, X-rays and gamma rays • All light travels at a speed of 300,000 km/s in a vacuum • One way to think about light is as a traveling wave

  3. Wave Terminology • Wavelength - distance between two like points on the wave • Amplitude - the height of the wave compared to undisturbed state • Period - the amount of time required for one wavelength to pass • Frequency - the number of waves passing in a given amount of time (usually one second)

  4. Wavelength, Frequency and Energy • Since all light travels at the same speed, wavelength and frequency have an indirect relationship. • Light with a short wavelength will have a high frequency and light with a long wavelength will have a low frequency. • Light with short wavelengths has high energy and long wavelength has low energy

  5. Wave Relationships • If frequency increases, wavelength decreases • If frequency decreases, wavelength increases Transverse Wave

  6. Wavelength Units Meters Micrometers 1 nm = 1 x 10-9 meters, 0.000000001 m The Electromagnetic Spectrum

  7. The Electromagnetic Spectrum • What we see as white light is actually made up of a continuum of components • Traditionally, we break white light into red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet (ROY G BIV) • There is actually a continuous transition of color, each with its own wavelength and frequency

  8. The Electromagnetic Spectrum • Toward longer wavelengths, the spectrum includes infrared light, microwaves, and radio • Toward shorter wavelengths, the spectrum includes ultraviolet light, X-rays, and gamma rays • Human eyes are only able to process information from the visible part of the spectrum

  9. EM Spectrum in Astronomy • By looking at objects at different wavelengths, we get a different view and lots more information • Some objects are only visible at certain wavelengths • Astronomers can use the light from an object to measure its temperature and learn about it’s chemical composition

  10. The Sun at Different Wavelengths Visible Ultraviolet X-ray X-ray

  11. EM Spectrum in Astronomy • Astronomers use a tool called a spectroscope to separate starlight into its colors – in this way, they can tell what a star is made of, its temperature, luminosity and so on… Spectra of a Star

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