Light, Page 3: [Previous Page] [Next Page] [Class Home Page] Textbook pages 83 - 96

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

The Electromagnetic Spectrum is defined by the wavelength (or frequency) of the light. RED light has a longer wavelength than BLUE light. When passing through a prism, light is spread into its individual components, based on wavelength:



However, the OPTICAL represents only a very, very small portion of the entire Electromagnetic Spectrum, which is shown in its entirety below:



Light carries ENERGY. Gamma Rays and X-Rays are very dangerous. They have HIGH frequencies, and SHORT wavelengths. The Energy associated with a particular photon depends on its wavelength (or frequency), as shown to the right: (Here, ``h'' refers to Planck's Constant)