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Properties of Light definitions

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  • Electromagnetic Spectrum
    A continuum of radiant energy ranging from long radio waves to gamma rays, encompassing all types of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Visible Light
    The small portion of the electromagnetic spectrum detectable by the human eye, spanning roughly 700 to 380 nanometers.
  • Frequency
    The number of wave cycles passing a point per second, measured in Hertz, directly proportional to energy.
  • Wavelength
    The distance between consecutive wave crests, measured in meters, inversely proportional to frequency.
  • Energy
    A property of electromagnetic radiation that increases with frequency and decreases with wavelength.
  • Speed of Light
    A constant value of approximately 2.998 x 10^8 meters per second for electromagnetic waves in a vacuum.
  • Planck's Constant
    A fundamental constant (6.626 x 10^-34 J·s) used to relate the energy of a photon to its frequency.
  • Photon
    A discrete packet of electromagnetic energy, whose energy is determined by frequency or wavelength.
  • Amplitude
    The height of a wave from its midpoint to its crest, not directly affecting the energy of electromagnetic radiation.
  • Nuclear Spin
    A property of atomic nuclei influenced by radio waves, relevant in nuclear magnetic resonance.
  • Molecular Rotation
    A motion of molecules affected by microwaves, leading to changes in rotational energy states.
  • Molecular Vibration
    A movement within molecules influenced by infrared radiation, used to identify functional groups.
  • Valence Electrons
    Outer electrons in atoms affected by visible and ultraviolet light, involved in electronic transitions.
  • Core Electrons
    Inner electrons in atoms impacted by x-rays, associated with deeper atomic transitions and ionization.
  • Gamma Rays
    The highest energy electromagnetic radiation, capable of inducing nuclear reactions.