6.2.2 Properties of Electromagnetic Waves

• Electromagnetic waves can travel through a vacuum.

  True
• What does the term "transverse" mean in the context of electromagnetic waves?

  Fields oscillate perpendicularly
• Electromagnetic waves are characterized by their wavelength and frequency
• Describe the relationship between the electric and magnetic fields in a transverse electromagnetic wave.

  1️⃣ Electric field oscillates perpendicularly to wave propagation

  2️⃣ Magnetic field oscillates perpendicularly to both wave propagation and electric field
• What determines the type of electromagnetic wave?

  Wavelength and frequency
• The speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum is constant for all types of electromagnetic waves.


  True
• Match the phenomenon with its description and key terms:

  Reflection ↔️ Waves bounce back from a surface; angle of incidence equals angle of reflection

  Refraction ↔️ Waves change direction and speed when passing through a boundary; involves Snell's Law
• What symbol represents the speed of light in a vacuum?

  c
• The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3.00 x 10^8 m/s.


  True
• The speed of electromagnetic waves changes when traveling through different media
• What are the two phenomena that occur when electromagnetic waves encounter a boundary between different media?

  Reflection and refraction
• Specular reflection occurs on rough surfaces.

  False
• Refraction involves a change in both direction and speed of electromagnetic waves.


  True
• What type of waves are electromagnetic waves?

  Transverse
• In transverse waves, what is the orientation of the electric and magnetic fields relative to the direction of propagation?

  Perpendicular
• Electromagnetic waves are transverse because the electric and magnetic fields oscillate perpendicular to each other and to the direction the wave travels
• What is the numerical value of the speed of light in a vacuum?

  3.00 x 10^8 m/s
• What two phenomena occur when electromagnetic waves encounter a boundary between different media?

  Reflection and refraction
• Why does refraction occur when electromagnetic waves move from one medium to another?

  Change in speed
• In refraction, the speed of electromagnetic waves changes.


  True
• Match the reflection type with its surface:

  Specular reflection ↔️ Smooth surface

  Diffuse reflection ↔️ Rough surface
• In reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
• In refraction, the speed of the wave remains constant.

  False
• What happens to the energy of an electromagnetic wave during absorption?

  Converted into other forms
• Absorption converts wave energy into heat within the medium.
• Diffraction is maximal when the wavelength is greater than the size of the aperture.


  True
• Match the diffraction application with its use:

  Holography ↔️ Reconstructs 3D images

  X-ray diffraction ↔️ Analyzes crystal structures

  Spectroscopic instruments ↔️ Separates wavelengths
• What happens to the frequency of an electromagnetic wave as its wavelength increases?

  Frequency decreases
• As wavelength decreases in the electromagnetic spectrum, frequency increases.


  True
• What type of waves are electromagnetic waves?

  Transverse waves
• Electromagnetic waves are produced by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields
• Electromagnetic waves require a medium to travel through.

  False
• What is the approximate speed of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum?

  $3 \times 10^{8} m / s$
• Electromagnetic waves are longitudinal waves.

  False
• The transverse nature of electromagnetic waves distinguishes them from longitudinal mechanical waves
• What happens to the speed of electromagnetic waves when they travel through a medium other than a vacuum?

  It decreases
• In reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
• In a vacuum, all electromagnetic waves travel at the speed of light
• Is the speed of light in a vacuum constant for all electromagnetic waves?

  Yes
• Electromagnetic waves slow down when they enter a medium other than a vacuum.


  True