CHEM 1201 Chapter : Chap6Lect F09
Document Summary
In 1801, the young double slit experiment demonstrated the wave nature of light. When light is passed through two slits (s1 & s2) an interfrence pattern is observed on the detector (photographis film, f). What observed were crests of waves at certain points. The crest or bright area results from constructive interference, whereas the dark area resulted from destructive interference. James clerk maxwell (1831-1879) developed a detailed understanding about the nature of light waves. His theory showed that light is an electromagnetic wave generated by an oscillation of an electric charge. The oscillation produces electric and magnetic fields whose motion constitutes a light wave. Light, heat, radiowaves, x-rays, etc. make up what we call electromagnetic radiation. The slice of the electromagnetic spectrum we see is termed visible light (400-700nm). v" = 1 cycles/s. Wavelength ( - lambda): measured from peak to peak in nanometers (nm) = 1 x 10-9m. Each peak to peak is termed a cycle.
