(ERO) Module Overview - Electromagnetic Radiation and Optics

Electromagnetic Radiation and Optics

The Electromagnetic Spectrum Radio: long wavelengths that are used for radio stations Microwaves: Cooks snacks! Infrared: Makes up heat Visible Light: All the colors of the rainbow - what we see Ultraviolet: Responsible for Sunburns X-Ray: Takes pictures of your bones! Gamma Ray: Part of many superheroes' origin stories - like the Incredible Hulk!

Introduction

Do you listen to the radio, talk on your cell phone, use GPS devices, or watch TV? All of those devices use parts of the Electromagnetic Spectrum to allow us to communicate over long distances. Electromagnetic Radiation also allows us to see, cook in microwaves, take X-Ray images, and keep warm. In this module we will learn about the Electromagnetic Spectrum, both how it is very different from mechanical waves and how it's similar. The lessons will then apply the properties of EMR to explain the action of mirrors and lenses. The final section will talk about diffraction and the wave interference patterns produced by light.

Module Lessons Preview

In this module, we will study the following topics:

  • What are the parts of the Electromagnetic Spectrum?
  • How is Electromagnetic Radiation different from a mechanical wave?
  • How are Electromagnetic waves produced?
  • How can I determine the location of images formed by flat and curved mirrors both graphically and mathematically?
  • How can I determine the location of images formed by curved lenses both graphically and mathematically?
  • How do we calculate the position of interference patterns produced by double slit interference?

 

Key Terms

  1. Concave: Curving away from the observers, a slice of the inside of a sphere.

  2. Converging: Different rays of light that come together at a point.

  3. Convex: Curving toward the observer, a slice of the outside of a sphere.

  4. Diffraction: The bending of rays as they pass through an opening.

  5. Diverging: Different rays of light moving away from each other.

  6. Electromagnetic Spectrum: The different frequencies of electromagnetic radiation.

  7. Electromagnetic Wave: A vibration that travels in the form of a photon without the need for a medium and a velocity equal to the speed of light in any particular medium.

  8. Lens: A transparent object that bends light to change the image size or location.

  9. Light: A specific section of the EM spectrum that can be detected by human eyes.

  10. Mirror: A surface that causes light to bounce off and form images.

  11. Optics: The study of lenses and mirrors to determine how images are formed.

  12. Photon: A single particle of electromagnetic radiation.

  13. Speed of Light: The speed that a photon can travel in any medium with a value of 3.00x108m/s in a vacuum - the maximum speed of any particle in the universe.

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