![]() ![]() The wave plotted on the xy-plane is shown in yellow and is labeled, “electric field.” The wave plotted on the xz-plane is shown in blue and is labeled, “magnetic field.” The curves intersect at the points where they cross the x-axis. ![]() Both curves begin at the origin, the intersection of the three axes, where strength of the electric field, strength of the magnetic field, and distance all equal zero. The graph consists of two perfect sine waves oriented perpendicular to each other. The z-axis is a blue arrow perpendicular to the xy-plane, pointing out of the page. As in the graph of the mechanical wave, the y-axis is a vertical red arrow pointing upward and the x-axis is a horizontal green arrow pointing to the right. You don’t really need to know too much about it.)Īn xyz graph shows the relationship between the strength of the electric field on the y-axis and the strength of the magnetic field on the z-axis versus distance on the x-axis. (If the idea of oscillating electric and magnetic fields does not make much sense, don’t worry. Mechanical waves need matter in order to propagate, but light waves can travel through completely empty space as well as through matter. Light waves are similar, but while mechanical waves cause oscillations in matter, light waves consist of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other. These are all mechanical waves-energy that propagates through matter, causing it to move up and down, back and forth, or side to side. You are probably familiar with waves: water waves that ripple across a pond, sound waves that vibrate air and ear drums, and seismic (earthquake) waves that cause the ground to shake. Get the full electromagnetic spectrum infographic. Each band of light has a different range of wavelengths: Gamma rays are the shortest and radio waves are the longest. Together, they make up the electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet light, visible light (the visible rainbow), infrared light, microwaves, and radio waves are all forms of light, also called electromagnetic radiation. Light has a number of fascinating (and somewhat odd) characteristics that are important for spectroscopy. (That’s right, the radio waves that carry music from the station to your radio, the microwaves that heat up your food, and the X-rays dentists use to detect tooth decay are all forms of light.) Spectroscopy works because light and matter interact with each other in very specific and predictable ways. (If you know this already, feel free to jump ahead.) Before getting into the gory details, let’s review some relevant basics about light and matter. How is it possible to figure out such detailed information about materials on Earth and in space based only on color? Spectroscopy works because light and matter interact with each other in very specific and predictable ways. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |