Wave Phenomena Sound waves are longitudinal and mechanical. Light slows down, bends toward the normal and has a shorter wavelength when it enters a higher (n) value medium. All angles in wave theory problems are measured to the normal. Blue light has more energy. A shorter wavelength and a higher frequency than red light (remember- ROYGBIV). The electromagnetic spectrum (radio, infrared, visible. Ultraviolet x-ray and gamma) are listed lowest energy to highest. A prism produces a rainbow from white light by dispersion (red bends the least because it slows the least). Light wave are transverse (they can be polarized). The speed of all types of electromagnetic waves is 3.0 x 108 m/sec in a vacuum. The amplitude of a sound wave determines its energy. Constructive interference occurs when two waves are zero (0) degrees out of phase or a whole number of wavelengths (360 degrees.) out of phase. At the critical angle a wave will be refracted to 90 degrees. According to the Doppler effect a wave source moving toward you will generate waves with a shorter wavelength and higher frequency. Double slit diffraction works because of diffraction and interference. Single slit diffraction produces a much wider central maximum than double slit. Diffuse reflection occurs from dull surfaces while regular reflection occurs from mirror type surfaces. As the frequency of a wave increases its energy increases and its wavelength decreases. Transverse wave particles vibrate back and forth perpendicular to the wave direction. Wave behavior is proven by diffraction, interference and the polarization of light. Shorter waves with higher frequencies have shorter periods. Radiowaves are electromagnetic and travel at the speed of light (c). Monochromatic light has one frequency. Coherent light waves are all in phase.
Posted on: Tue, 09 Jul 2013 10:48:06 +0000
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