The document discusses the nature of light and the electromagnetic spectrum. It begins by introducing the electromagnetic spectrum, which consists of seven classes of electromagnetic waves including radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light, ultraviolet waves, X-rays, and gamma rays. The document then reviews the historical debates on whether light behaves as particles or waves, including evidence that supported each view. Finally, the document concludes that light has a dual nature, behaving at times as a particle and at times as a wave, based on experiments such as the photoelectric effect.
6. BEFORE WE DEFINE LIGHT…
Let’s talk about the electromagnetic spectrum
Trace the historical development of the theories
that explain the nature of light
7. A REVIEW OF
ELECTROMAGNETIC WAVES
These are waves
produced by oscillating
charges.
They can travel through
a vacuum or material
substance.
They are transverse in
nature.
There are seven
identified classes of
electromagnetic waves.
10. RADIO WAVES
These include TV signals
and AM and FM radio
signals.
They have the longest
wavelength in the
electromagnetic spectrum
which may be several
kilometers.
They have also the least
energy in the family of
EM waves.
11. MICROWAVES
EM waves that have
wavelengths in the range
of centimeters.
They are used to carry
communication signals
over long distances (space
probes).
Also used in cooking.
12. INFRARED WAVES
EM waves that have
wavelengths slightly
longer than wavelengths
of red visible light.
The warming effect of the
sun is an example of
infrared radiation.
Can be used to produce
detailed image of objects
(weather forecasting)
13. ULTRAVIOLET WAVES
Invisible waves that lies
just beyond the violet
light
Has higher energy and
frequency but shorter
wavelengths compared to
visible light.
Has enough energy to
pass through clouds.
UV can be used to kill
germs and disinfect
objects.
14. X-RAYS
EM waves with
wavelengths less than
10-8 m
Highly useful in medical
imaging
Contain a lot of energy
that may give
detrimental effects to
tissues
15. GAMMA RAYS
EM waves with the
highest energy and
frequency
Shortest wavelength
Most penetrating
Exposure to these rays
may pose danger
Can be used to treat
cancer