1. The Wave Nature of Light
Section 6.1

2. Objectives
Study light (radiant energy or electromagnetic radiation) as having wavelike properties.
Identify the characteristics of wavelength, frequency, and speed

3. Key Terms
Electromagnetic radiation
Wavelength
Frequency
Speed

4. Why Study Light?
Our understanding of the electronic structure of atoms came from the analysis of light either emitted or absorbed

5. Visible Light Light we can see with our eyes
An example of electromagnetic radiation

6. Electromagnetic Radiation
Energy that travels through space
a.k.a radiant energy
Many types of ER
Visible light
Radio waves
X rays

7. Radio AND X rays?? All ER share fundamental wave characteristics
Travel through a vacuum as the speed of light:
3.00 x 108 m/s

8. Wavelength, 
Shortest distance between equivalent points on a continuous wave
Between 2 adjacent peaks or troughs

9. Frequency, 
Number of complete wavelengths or cycles that pass a given point per second.
Measured in Hz (Hertz)

10. Amplitude
Wave’s height from the origin to a peak, or from the origin to a trough
Relates to the intensity of the radiation

11. Characteristics of Waves

12. ER versus Water Waves ER move at the same speed
Wavelength and frequency are always related

13. Why Your Radio Won’t Take an X ray
ER have different properties as a result of their varying wavelengths

14. Electromagnetic Spectrum

15. A VERY Large Spectrum
Gamma rays =
Radio waves =

17. Don’t Forget…
ROY G BIV
Order of colors (LS) on the visible spectrum

18. Practice Problem
The yellow light given off by a sodium vapor lamp used for public lighting has a wavelength of 589 nm. What is the frequency of this radiation?

19. Solution

20. Assignment
Wave Nature of Light Practice Problems Worksheet