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Radiation – Electromagnetic Energy. PHY 299 Spring 2009 Bob Brecha. Light Waves. Light is a form of wave, like a water wave or a wave on a rope. But ... waves need something to “wave” ( e.g. water or rope or a crowd ) Light (electromagnetic) waves can also move through vacuum.
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Radiation – Electromagnetic Energy PHY 299 Spring 2009 Bob Brecha
Light Waves Light is a form of wave, like a water wave or a wave on a rope. But ... waves need something to “wave” (e.g. water or rope or a crowd) Light (electromagnetic) waves can also move through vacuum.
What are Light Waves ? Light waves are really made up of electric fields and magnetic fields - more on that later Moving electric charges are the source for all electromagnetic waves.
Wave Properties The period of a wave is related to the wavelength of the wave. It is sometimes easier to talk about the “frequency” of the wave rather than the period f = 1/T c = f × l c = speed of light (300,000 km/sec.)
Blackbody Radiation Low temperatures Long wavelength radiation 40ºC 10,000 nm peak (10 mm) High temperatures Shorter wavelength radiation 6000 ºC 500 nm peak (0.5 mm)