PSY 3108 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Mie Scattering, Rayleigh Scattering, Electromagnetic Spectrum
3 Mar 2016
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Document Summary
Theory that light is composed of particles known as photons that have wave- like motion when they travel. Even tho energy light is concentrated in these particles it was believed photons themselves travel in wave like manner thru space. Provided explanation for diffraction, and particle phenomena like electron emission when light strikes an object. Cornerstone of our current understanding on the nature of light. Form of electromagnetic radiation: type of moving energy field that is found everywhere in nature. 2-part waveform w an electric field and a magnetic field. Properties: wavelength: distance covered by a full cycle and separating 2 identical points in the waveform. Denoyed as (upside down y) greek letter lambda: intensity. Measured in units of power per area e. g. , candela/m2 (cd/m2) Electromagnetic spectrum contains radiation spanning a v large range of wavelengths. Shortest wavelength radiation is that of gamma rays where longest are so called elf waves.
