CHAPTER 15

Light

Figure 15.1 Human eyes detect these orange sea goldie fish swimming over a coral reef in the blue waters of the
Gulf of Eilat, in the Red Sea, using visible light. (credit: David Darom, Wikimedia Commons)

Chapter Outline

15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation

INTRODUCTION The beauty of a coral reef, the warm radiance of sunshine, the sting of sunburn, the X-ray revealing a broken
bone, even microwave popcorn—all are brought to us by electromagnetic waves. The list of the various types of electromagnetic
waves, ranging from radio transmission waves to nuclear gamma-ray (γ-ray) emissions, is interesting in itself.

Even more intriguing is that all of these different phenomena are manifestations of the same thing—electromagnetic waves (see
Figure 15.1). What are electromagnetic waves? How are they created, and how do they travel? How can we understand their
widely varying properties? What is the relationship between electric and magnetic effects? These and other questions will be
explored.

15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum

Section Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
• Define the electromagnetic spectrum, and describe it in terms of frequencies and wavelengths
• Describe and explain the differences and similarities of each section of the electromagnetic spectrum and the
applications of radiation from those sections

Section Key Terms

electric field electromagnetic radiation (EMR) magnetic field Maxwell’s equations
456 Chapter 15 • Light

The Electromagnetic Spectrum

We generally take light for granted, but it is a truly amazing and mysterious form of energy. Think about it: Light travels to Earth
across millions of kilometers of empty space. When it reaches us, it interacts with matter in various ways to generate almost all
the energy needed to support life, provide heat, and cause weather patterns. Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation
(EMR). The term light usually refers to visible light, but this is not the only form of EMR. As we will see, visible light occupies a
narrow band in a broad range of types of electromagnetic radiation.

Electromagnetic radiation is generated by a moving electric charge, that is, by an electric current. As you will see when you
study electricity, an electric current generates both an electric field, E, and a magnetic field, B. These fields are perpendicular to
each other. When the moving charge oscillates, as in an alternating current, an EM wave is propagated. Figure 15.2 shows how
an electromagnetic wave moves away from the source—indicated by the ~ symbol.

WATCH PHYSICS

Electromagnetic Waves and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

This video, link below, is closely related to the following figure. If you have questions about EM wave properties, the EM
spectrum, how waves propagate, or definitions of any of the related terms, the answers can be found in this video
(http://www.openstax.org/l/28EMWaves) .

Click to view content (https://www.openstax.org/l/28EMWaves)

GRASP CHECK
In an electromagnetic wave, how are the magnetic field, the electric field, and the direction of propagation oriented to each
other?
a. All three are parallel to each other and are along the x-axis.
b. All three are mutually perpendicular to each other.
c. The electric field and magnetic fields are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction of propagation.
d. The magnetic field and direction of propagation are parallel to each other along the y-axis and perpendicular to the
electric field.

Virtual Physics
Radio Waves and Electromagnetic Fields
Click to view content (https://www.openstax.org/l/28Radiowaves)
This simulation demonstrates wave propagation. The EM wave is propagated from the broadcast tower on the left, just as in
Figure 15.2. You can make the wave yourself or allow the animation to send it. When the wave reaches the antenna on the
right, it causes an oscillating current. This is how radio and television signals are transmitted and received.

GRASP CHECK
Where do radio waves fall on the electromagnetic spectrum?
a. Radio waves have the same wavelengths as visible light.
b. Radio waves fall on the high-frequency side of visible light.
c. Radio waves fall on the short-wavelength side of visible light.
d. Radio waves fall on the low-frequency side of visible light.

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 15.1 • The Electromagnetic Spectrum 457

Figure 15.2 A part of the electromagnetic wave sent out from an oscillating charge at one instant in time. The electric and magnetic fields
(E and B) are in phase, and they are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. For clarity, the waves are shown only
along one direction, but they propagate out in other directions too.

From your study of sound waves, recall these features that apply to all types of waves:

• Wavelength—The distance between two wave crests or two wave troughs, expressed in various metric measures of distance
• Frequency—The number of wave crests that pass a point per second, expressed in hertz (Hz or s–1)
• Amplitude: The height of the crest above the null point

As mentioned, electromagnetic radiation takes several forms. These forms are characterized by a range of frequencies. Because
frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, any form of EMR can also be represented by its range of wavelengths. Figure
15.3 shows the frequency and wavelength ranges of various types of EMR. With how many of these types are you familiar?

Figure 15.3 The electromagnetic spectrum, showing the major categories of electromagnetic waves. The range of frequencies and
wavelengths is remarkable. The dividing line between some categories is distinct, whereas other categories overlap.

Take a few minutes to study the positions of the various types of radiation on the EM spectrum, above. Sometimes all radiation
with frequencies lower than those of visible light are referred to as infrared (IR) radiation. This includes radio waves, which
overlap with the frequencies used for media broadcasts of TV and radio signals. The microwave radiation that you see on the
diagram is the same radiation that is used in a microwave oven. What we feel as radiant heat is also a form of low-frequency
EMR.

All the high-frequency radiation to the right of visible light is sometimes referred to as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This includes
X-rays and gamma (γ) rays. The narrow band that is visible light extends from lower-frequency red light to higher-frequency
violet light, thus the terms are infrared (below red) and ultraviolet (beyond violet).

BOUNDLESS PHYSICS

Maxwell’s Equations
The Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879) is regarded widely to have been the greatest theoretical physicist of the
458 Chapter 15 • Light

nineteenth century. Although he died young, Maxwell not only formulated a complete electromagnetic theory, represented by
Maxwell’s equations, he also developed the kinetic theory of gases, and made significant contributions to the understanding of
color vision and the nature of Saturn’s rings.

Maxwell brought together all the work that had been done by brilliant physicists, such as Ørsted, Coulomb, Ampere, Gauss, and
Faraday, and added his own insights to develop the overarching theory of electromagnetism. Maxwell’s equations are
paraphrased here in words because their mathematical content is beyond the level of this text. However, the equations illustrate
how apparently simple mathematical statements can elegantly unite and express a multitude of concepts—why mathematics is
the language of science.

Maxwell’s Equations

1. Electric field lines originate on positive charges and terminate on negative charges. The electric field is defined as the force
per unit charge on a test charge, and the strength of the force is related to the electric constant, ε0.
2. Magnetic field lines are continuous, having no beginning or end. No magnetic monopoles are known to exist. The strength
of the magnetic force is related to the magnetic constant, μ0.
3. A changing magnetic field induces an electromotive force (emf) and, hence, an electric field. The direction of the emf
opposes the change, changing direction of the magnetic field.
4. Magnetic fields are generated by moving charges or by changing electric fields.

Maxwell’s complete theory shows that electric and magnetic forces are not separate, but different manifestations of the same
thing—the electromagnetic force. This classical unification of forces is one motivation for current attempts to unify the four
basic forces in nature—the gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear forces. The weak nuclear and
electromagnetic forces have been unified, and further unification with the strong nuclear force is expected; but, the unification
of the gravitational force with the other three has proven to be a real head-scratcher.

One final accomplishment of Maxwell was his development in 1855 of a process that could produce color photographic images.
In 1861, he and photographer Thomas Sutton worked together on this process. The color image was achieved by projecting red,
blue, and green light through black-and-white photographs of a tartan ribbon, each photo itself exposed in different-colored
light. The final image was projected onto a screen (see Figure 15.4).

Figure 15.4 Maxwell and Sutton’s photograph of a colored ribbon. This was the first durable color photograph. The plaid tartan of the Scots
made a colorful photographic subject.

GRASP CHECK
Describe electromagnetic force as explained by Maxwell’s equations.
a. According to Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic force gives rise to electric force and magnetic force.
b. According to Maxwell’s equations, electric force and magnetic force are different manifestations of electromagnetic
force.
c. According to Maxwell’s equations, electric force is the cause of electromagnetic force.
d. According to Maxwell’s equations, magnetic force is the cause of electromagnetic force.

Characteristics of Electromagnetic Radiation

All the EM waves mentioned above are basically the same form of radiation. They can all travel across empty space, and they all

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 15.1 • The Electromagnetic Spectrum 459

travel at the speed of light in a vacuum. The basic difference between types of radiation is their differing frequencies. Each
frequency has an associated wavelength. As frequency increases across the spectrum, wavelength decreases. Energy also
increases with frequency. Because of this, higher frequencies penetrate matter more readily. Some of the properties and uses of
the various EM spectrum bands are listed in Table 15.1.

Types of Life Sciences

Production Applications Issues
EM Waves Aspect

Radio and Communications, remote Requires controls for

Accelerating charges MRI
TV controls band use

Accelerating charges & Communications,

Microwaves Deep heating Cell phone use
thermal agitation microwave ovens, radar

Thermal agitation & Absorption by

Infrared Thermal imaging, heating Greenhouse effect
electronic transitions atmosphere

Thermal agitation & Photosynthesis,

Visible Light All pervasive
electronic transitions human vision

Thermal agitation & Sterilization, slowing Vitamin D Ozone depletion,

Ultraviolet
electronic transitions abnormal growth of cells production causes cell damage

Inner electronic
Medical diagnosis,
X-rays transitions & fast Medical, security Causes cell damage
cancer therapy
collisions

Gamma Medical diagnosis, Causes cell damage,

Nuclear decay Nuclear medicine, security
Rays cancer therapy radiation damage

Table 15.1 Electromagnetic Waves This table shows how each type of EM radiation is produced, how it is applied, as well as
environmental and health issues associated with it.

The narrow band of visible light is a combination of the colors of the rainbow. Figure 15.5 shows the section of the EM spectrum
that includes visible light. The frequencies corresponding to these wavelengths are at the red end to
at the violet end. This is a very narrow range, considering that the EM spectrum spans about 20 orders of
magnitude.

Figure 15.5 A small part of the electromagnetic spectrum that includes its visible components. The divisions between infrared, visible, and
ultraviolet are not perfectly distinct, nor are the divisions between the seven rainbow colors

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Wavelengths of visible light are often given in nanometers, nm. One nm equals m. For example, yellow light has a
wavelength of about 600 nm, or m.
460 Chapter 15 • Light

As a child, you probably learned the color wheel, shown on the left in Figure 15.6. It helps if you know what color results when
you mix different colors of paint together. Mixing two of the primary pigment colors—magenta, yellow, or cyan—together
results in a secondary color. For example, mixing cyan and yellow makes green. This is called subtractive color mixing. Mixing
different colors of light together is quite different. The diagram on the right shows additive color mixing. In this case, the
primary colors are red, green, and blue, and the secondary colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow. Mixing pigments and mixing
light are different because materials absorb light by a different set of rules than does the perception of light by the eye. Notice
that, when all colors are subtracted, the result is no color, or black. When all colors are added, the result is white light. We see
the reverse of this when white sunlight is separated into the visible spectrum by a prism or by raindrops when a rainbow appears
in the sky.

Figure 15.6 Mixing colored pigments follows the subtractive color wheel, and mixing colored light follows the additive color wheel.

Virtual Physics
Color Vision
Click to view content (https://www.openstax.org/l/28Colorvision)
This video demonstrates additive color and color filters. Try all the settings except Photons.

GRASP CHECK
Explain why only light from a blue bulb passes through the blue filter.
a. A blue filter absorbs blue light.
b. A blue filter reflects blue light.
c. A blue filter absorbs all visible light other than blue light.
d. A blue filter reflects all of the other colors of light and absorbs blue light.

LINKS TO PHYSICS

Animal Color Perception

The physics of color perception has interesting links to zoology. Other animals have very different views of the world than
humans, especially with respect to which colors can be seen. Color is detected by cells in the eye called cones. Humans have
three cones that are sensitive to three different ranges of electromagnetic wavelengths. They are called red, blue, and green
cones, although these colors do not correspond exactly to the centers of the three ranges. The ranges of wavelengths that each
cone detects are red, 500 to 700 nm; green, 450 to 630 nm; and blue, 400 to 500 nm.

Most primates also have three kinds of cones and see the world much as we do. Most mammals other than primates only have
two cones and have a less colorful view of things. Dogs, for example see blue and yellow, but are color blind to red and green. You
might think that simpler species, such as fish and insects, would have less sophisticated vision, but this is not the case. Many
birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects have four or five different cones in their eyes. These species don’t have a wider range of
perceived colors, but they see more hues, or combinations of colors. Also, some animals, such as bees or rattlesnakes, see a

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 15.1 • The Electromagnetic Spectrum 461

range of colors that is as broad as ours, but shifted into the ultraviolet or infrared.

These differences in color perception are generally adaptations that help the animals survive. Colorful tropical birds and fish
display some colors that are too subtle for us to see. These colors are believed to play a role in the species mating rituals. Figure
15.7 shows the colors visible and the color range of vision in humans, bees, and dogs.

Figure 15.7 Humans, bees, and dogs see colors differently. Dogs see fewer colors than humans, and bees see a different range of colors.

GRASP CHECK
The belief that bulls are enraged by seeing the color red is a misconception. What did you read in this Links to Physics that
shows why this belief is incorrect?
a. Bulls are color-blind to every color in the spectrum of colors.
b. Bulls are color-blind to the blue colors in the spectrum of colors.
c. Bulls are color-blind to the red colors in the spectrum of colors.
d. Bulls are color-blind to the green colors in the spectrum of colors.

Humans have found uses for every part of the electromagnetic spectrum. We will take a look at the uses of each range of
frequencies, beginning with visible light. Most of our uses of visible light are obvious; without it our interaction with our
surroundings would be much different. We might forget that nearly all of our food depends on the photosynthesis process in
plants, and that the energy for this process comes from the visible part of the spectrum. Without photosynthesis, we would also
have almost no oxygen in the atmosphere.

The low-frequency, infrared region of the spectrum has many applications in media broadcasting. Television, radio, cell phone,
and remote-control devices all broadcast and/or receive signals with these wavelengths. AM and FM radio signals are both low-
frequency radiation. They are in different regions of the spectrum, but that is not their basic difference. AM and FM are
abbreviations for amplitude modulation and frequency modulation. Information in AM signals has the form of changes in
amplitude of the radio waves; information in FM signals has the form of changes in wave frequency.

Another application of long-wavelength radiation is found in microwave ovens. These appliances cook or warm food by
irradiating it with EM radiation in the microwave frequency range. Most kitchen microwaves use a frequency of
Hz. These waves have the right amount of energy to cause polar molecules, such as water, to rotate faster. Polar molecules are
those that have a partial charge separation. The rotational energy of these molecules is given up to surrounding matter as heat.
The first microwave ovens were called Radaranges because they were based on radar technology developed during World War II.

Radar uses radiation with wavelengths similar to those of microwaves to detect the location and speed of distant objects, such as
airplanes, weather formations, and motor vehicles. Radar information is obtained by receiving and analyzing the echoes of
microwaves reflected by an object. The speed of the object can be measured using the Doppler shift of the returning waves. This
is the same effect you learned about when you studied sound waves. Like sound waves, EM waves are shifted to higher
frequencies by an object moving toward an observer, and to lower frequencies by an object moving away from the observer.
Astronomers use this same Doppler effect to measure the speed at which distant galaxies are moving away from us. In this case,
the shift in frequency is called the red shift, because visible frequencies are shifted toward the lower-frequency, red end of the
spectrum.
462 Chapter 15 • Light

Exposure to any radiation with frequencies greater than those of visible light carries some health hazards. All types of radiation
in this range are known to cause cell damage. The danger is related to the high energy and penetrating ability of these EM waves.
The likelihood of being harmed by any of this radiation depends largely on the amount of exposure. Most people try to reduce
exposure to UV radiation from sunlight by using sunscreen and protective clothing. Physicians still use X-rays to diagnose
medical problems, but the intensity of the radiation used is extremely low. Figure 15.8 shows an X-ray image of a patient’s chest
cavity.

One medical-imaging technique that involves no danger of exposure is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is an important
imaging and research tool in medicine, producing highly detailed two- and three-dimensional images. Radio waves are
broadcast, absorbed, and reemitted in a resonance process that is sensitive to the density of nuclei, usually hydrogen
nuclei—protons.

Figure 15.8 This shadow X-ray image shows many interesting features, such as artificial heart valves, a pacemaker, and wires used to close
the sternum. (credit: P.P. Urone)

Check Your Understanding

1. Identify the fields produced by a moving charged particle.
a. Both an electric field and a magnetic field will be produced.
b. Neither a magnetic field nor an electric field will be produced.
c. A magnetic field, but no electric field will be produced.
d. Only the electric field, but no magnetic field will be produced.

2. X-rays carry more energy than visible light. Compare the frequencies and wavelengths of these two types of EM radiation.
a. Visible light has higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than X-rays.
b. Visible light has lower frequencies and shorter wavelengths than X-rays.
c. Visible light has higher frequencies and longer wavelengths than X-rays.
d. Visible light has lower frequencies and longer wavelengths than X-rays.

3. How does wavelength change as frequency increases across the EM spectrum?

a. The wavelength increases.
b. The wavelength first increases and then decreases.
c. The wavelength first decreases and then increases.
d. The wavelength decreases.

4. Why are X-rays used in imaging of broken bones, rather than radio waves?
a. X-rays have higher penetrating energy than radio waves.
b. X-rays have lower penetrating energy than radio waves.
c. X-rays have a lower frequency range than radio waves.
d. X-rays have longer wavelengths than radio waves.

5. Identify the fields that make up an electromagnetic wave.

a. both an electric field and a magnetic field
b. neither a magnetic field nor an electric field

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 15.2 • The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation 463

c. only a magnetic field, but no electric field

d. only an electric field, but no magnetic field

15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation

Section Learning Objectives
By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:
• Describe the behavior of electromagnetic radiation
• Solve quantitative problems involving the behavior of electromagnetic radiation

Section Key Terms

illuminance interference lumens luminous flux lux polarized light

Types of Electromagnetic Wave Behavior

In a vacuum, all electromagnetic radiation travels at the same incredible speed of 3.00 × 108 m/s, which is equal to 671 million
miles per hour. This is one of the fundamental physical constants. It is referred to as the speed of light and is given the symbol c.
The space between celestial bodies is a near vacuum, so the light we see from the Sun, stars, and other planets has traveled here
at the speed of light. Keep in mind that all EM radiation travels at this speed. All the different wavelengths of radiation that leave
the Sun make the trip to Earth in the same amount of time. That trip takes 8.3 minutes. Light from the nearest star, besides the
Sun, takes 4.2 years to reach Earth, and light from the nearest galaxy—a dwarf galaxy that orbits the Milky Way—travels 25,000
years on its way to Earth. You can see why we call very long distances astronomical.

When light travels through a physical medium, its speed is always less than the speed of light. For example, light travels in water
at three-fourths the value of c. In air, light has a speed that is just slightly slower than in empty space: 99.97 percent of c.
Diamond slows light down to just 41 percent of c. When light changes speeds at a boundary between media, it also changes
direction. The greater the difference in speeds, the more the path of light bends. In other chapters, we look at this bending,
called refraction, in greater detail. We introduce refraction here to help explain a phenomenon called thin-film interference.

Have you ever wondered about the rainbow colors you often see on soap bubbles, oil slicks, and compact discs? This occurs when
light is both refracted by and reflected from a very thin film. The diagram shows the path of light through such a thin film. The
symbols n1, n2, and n3 indicate that light travels at different speeds in each of the three materials. Learn more about this topic in
the chapter on diffraction and interference.

Figure 15.9 shows the result of thin film interference on the surface of soap bubbles. Because ray 2 travels a greater distance, the
two rays become out of phase. That is, the crests of the two emerging waves are no longer moving together. This causes
interference, which reinforces the intensity of the wavelengths of light that create the bands of color. The color bands are
separated because each color has a different wavelength. Also, the thickness of the film is not uniform, and different thicknesses
cause colors of different wavelengths to interfere in different places. Note that the film must be very, very thin—somewhere in
the vicinity of the wavelengths of visible light.
464 Chapter 15 • Light

Figure 15.9 Light striking a thin film is partially reflected (ray 1) and partially refracted at the top surface. The refracted ray is partially
reflected at the bottom surface and emerges as ray 2. These rays will interfere in a way that depends on the thickness of the film and the
indices of refraction of the various media.

You have probably experienced how polarized sunglasses reduce glare from the surface of water or snow. The effect is caused by
the wave nature of light. Looking back at , we see that the electric field moves in only one direction perpendicular to the
direction of propagation. Light from most sources vibrates in all directions perpendicular to propagation. Light with an electric
field that vibrates in only one direction is called polarized. A diagram of polarized light would look like .

Polarized glasses are an example of a polarizing filter. These glasses absorb most of the horizontal light waves and transmit the
vertical waves. This cuts down glare, which is caused by horizontal waves. Figure 15.10 shows how waves traveling along a rope
can be used as a model of how a polarizing filter works. The oscillations in one rope are in a vertical plane and are said to be
vertically polarized. Those in the other rope are in a horizontal plane and are horizontally polarized. If a vertical slit is placed on
the first rope, the waves pass through. However, a vertical slit blocks the horizontally polarized waves. For EM waves, the
direction of the electric field oscillation is analogous to the disturbances on the ropes.

Figure 15.10 The transverse oscillations in one rope are in a vertical plane, and those in the other rope are in a horizontal plane. The first is
said to be vertically polarized, and the other is said to be horizontally polarized. Vertical slits pass vertically polarized waves and block
horizontally polarized waves.

Light can also be polarized by reflection. Most of the light reflected from water, glass, or any highly reflective surface is polarized
horizontally. Figure 15.11 shows the effect of a polarizing lens on light reflected from the surface of water.

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 15.2 • The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation 465

Figure 15.11 These two photographs of a river show the effect of a polarizing filter in reducing glare in light reflected from the surface of
water. Part (b) of this figure was taken with a polarizing filter and part (a) was taken without. As a result, the reflection of clouds and sky
observed in part (a) is not observed in part (b). Polarizing sunglasses are particularly useful on snow and water.

WATCH PHYSICS

Polarization of Light, Linear and Circular

This video explains the polarization of light in great detail. Before viewing the video, look back at the drawing of an
electromagnetic wave from the previous section. Try to visualize the two-dimensional drawing in three dimensions.

Click to view content (https://www.openstax.org/l/28Polarization)

GRASP CHECK
How do polarized glasses reduce glare reflected from the ocean?
a. They block horizontally polarized and vertically polarized light.
b. They are transparent to horizontally polarized and vertically polarized light.
c. They block horizontally polarized rays and are transparent to vertically polarized rays.
d. They are transparent to horizontally polarized light and block vertically polarized light.

Snap Lab
Polarized Glasses
• EYE SAFETY—Looking at the Sun directly can cause permanent eye damage. Avoid looking directly at the Sun.

• two pairs of polarized sunglasses

OR
• two lenses from one pair of polarized sunglasses

Procedure
1. Look through both or either polarized lens and record your observations.
2. Hold the lenses, one in front of the other. Hold one lens stationary while you slowly rotate the other lens. Record your
observations, including the relative angles of the lenses when you make each observation.
3. Find a reflective surface on which the Sun is shining. It could be water, glass, a mirror, or any other similar smooth
surface. The results will be more dramatic if the sunlight strikes the surface at a sharp angle.
4. Observe the appearance of the surface with your naked eye and through one of the polarized lenses.
5. Observe any changes as you slowly rotate the lens, and note the angles at which you see changes.
466 Chapter 15 • Light

GRASP CHECK
If you buy sunglasses in a store, how can you be sure that they are polarized?
a. When one pair of sunglasses is placed in front of another and rotated in the plane of the body, the light passing through
the sunglasses will be blocked at two positions due to refraction of light.
b. When one pair of sunglasses is placed in front of another and rotated in the plane of the body, the light passing through
the sunglasses will be blocked at two positions due to reflection of light.
c. When one pair of sunglasses is placed in front of another and rotated in the plane of the body, the light passing through
the sunglasses will be blocked at two positions due to the polarization of light.
d. When one pair of sunglasses is placed in front of another and rotated in the plane of the body, the light passing through
the sunglasses will be blocked at two positions due to the bending of light waves.

Quantitative Treatment of Electromagnetic Waves

We can use the speed of light, c, to carry out several simple but interesting calculations. If we know the distance to a celestial
object, we can calculate how long it takes its light to reach us. Of course, we can also make the reverse calculation if we know the
time it takes for the light to travel to us. For an object at a very great distance from Earth, it takes many years for its light to reach
us. This means that we are looking at the object as it existed in the distant past. The object may, in fact, no longer exist. Very
large distances in the universe are measured in light years. One light year is the distance that light travels in one year, which is
kilometers or miles (…and 1012 is a trillion!).

A useful equation involving c is

15.1
where f is frequency in Hz, and is wavelength in meters.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Frequency and Wavelength Calculation

For example, you can calculate the frequency of yellow light with a wavelength of m.
STRATEGY
Rearrange the equation to solve for frequency.

15.2

Solution
Substitute the values for the speed of light and wavelength into the equation.

15.3

Discussion
Manipulating exponents of 10 in a fraction can be tricky. Be sure you keep track of the + and – exponents correctly. Checking
back to the diagram of the electromagnetic spectrum in the previous section shows that 1014 is a reasonable order of magnitude
for the frequency of yellow light.

The frequency of a wave is proportional to the energy the wave carries. The actual proportionality constant will be discussed in a
later chapter. Since frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, we also know that wavelength is inversely proportional to
energy. Keep these relationships in mind as general rules.

The rate at which light is radiated from a source is called luminous flux, P, and it is measured in lumens (lm). Energy-saving
light bulbs, which provide more luminous flux for a given use of electricity, are now available. One of these bulbs is called a
compact fluorescent lamp; another is an LED (light-emitting diode) bulb. If you wanted to replace an old incandescent bulb with
an energy saving bulb, you would want the new bulb to have the same brightness as the old one. To compare bulbs accurately,
you would need to compare the lumens each one puts out. Comparing wattage—that is, the electric power used—would be

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 15.2 • The Behavior of Electromagnetic Radiation 467

misleading. Both wattage and lumens are stated on the packaging.

The luminous flux of a bulb might be 2,000 lm. That accounts for all the light radiated in all directions. However, what we really
need to know is how much light falls on an object, such as a book, at a specific distance. The number of lumens per square meter
is called illuminance, and is given in units of lux (lx). Picture a light bulb in the middle of a sphere with a 1-m radius. The total
surface of the sphere equals 4πr2 m2. The illuminance then is given by

15.4

What happens if the radius of the sphere is increased 2 m? The illuminance is now only one-fourth as great, because the r2 term
in the denominator is 4 instead of 1. Figure 15.12 shows how illuminance decreases with the inverse square of the distance.

Figure 15.12 The diagram shows why the illuminance varies inversely with the square of the distance from a source of light.

WORKED EXAMPLE

Calculating Illuminance
A woman puts a new bulb in a floor lamp beside an easy chair. If the luminous flux of the bulb is rated at 2,000 lm, what is the
illuminance on a book held 2.00 m from the bulb?
STRATEGY
Choose the equation and list the knowns.

Equation:

P = 2,000 lm

π = 3.14

r = 2.00 m

Solution
Substitute the known values into the equation.

Discussion
Try some other distances to illustrate how greatly light fades with distance from its source. For example, at 3 m the illuminance
is only 17.7 lux. Parents often scold children for reading in light that is too dim. Instead of shouting, “You’ll ruin your eyes!” it
might be better to explain the inverse square law of illuminance to the child.
468 Chapter 15 • Light

Practice Problems
6. Red light has a wavelength of 7.0 × 10−7 m and a frequency of 4.3 × 1014 Hz. Use these values to calculate the speed of light in
a vacuum.
a. 3 × 1020 m/s
b. 3 × 1015 m/s
c. 3 × 1014 m/s
d. 3 × 108 m/s

7. A light bulb has a luminous flux of 942 lumens. What is the illuminance on a surface from the bulb when it is lit?
a.
b.
c.
d.

Check Your Understanding

8. Give an example of a place where light travels at the speed of 3.00 × 108 m/s.
a. outer space
b. water
c. Earth’s atmosphere
d. quartz glass

9. Explain in terms of distances and the speed of light why it is currently very unlikely that humans will visit planets that circle
stars other than our Sun.
a. The spacecrafts used for travel are very heavy and thus very slow.
b. Spacecrafts do not have a constant source of energy to run them.
c. If a spacecraft could attain a maximum speed equal to that of light, it would still be too slow to cover astronomical
distances.
d. Spacecrafts can attain a maximum speed equal to that of light, but it is difficult to locate planets around stars.

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 Chapter 15 • Key Terms 469

KEY TERMS
electric field a field that tells us the force per unit charge at lux unit of measure for illuminance
all locations in space around a charge distribution magnetic field the directional lines around a magnetic
electromagnetic radiation (EMR) radiant energy that material that indicates the direction and magnitude of
consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields the magnetic force
illuminance number of lumens per square meter, given in Maxwell’s equations equations that describe the
units of lux (lx) interrelationship between electric and magnetic fields,
interference increased or decreased light intensity caused and how these fields combine to form electromagnetic
by the phase differences between waves radiation
lumens unit of measure for luminous flux polarized light light whose electric field component
luminous flux rate at which light is radiated from a source vibrates in a specific plane

SECTION SUMMARY
15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum 15.2 The Behavior of
• The electromagnetic spectrum is made up of a broad Electromagnetic Radiation
range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. • EM radiation travels at different speeds in different
• All frequencies of EM radiation travel at the same speed media, produces colors on thin films, and can be
in a vacuum and consist of an electric field and a polarized to oscillate in only one direction.
magnetic field. The types of EM radiation have different • Calculations can be based on the relationship among
frequencies and wavelengths, and different energies the speed, frequency, and wavelength of light, and on
and penetrating ability. the relationship among luminous flux, illuminance, and
distance.

KEY EQUATIONS
15.2 The Behavior of
illuminance
Electromagnetic Radiation
frequency and wavelength

CHAPTER REVIEW
Concept Items needle’s magnetic field, causing the needle to
deflect.
15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
2. Consider these colors of light: yellow, blue, and red. Part
1. Use the concepts on which Maxwell’s equations are based A. Put these light waves in order according to
to explain why a compass needle is deflected when the wavelength, from shortest wavelength to longest
compass is brought near a wire that is carrying an electric wavelength. Part B. Put these light waves in order
current. according to frequency, from lowest frequency to highest
a. The charges in the compass needle and the charges frequency.
in the electric current have interacting electric fields, a. wavelength: blue, yellow, red
causing the needle to deflect. frequency: blue, yellow, red
b. The electric field from the moving charges in the b. wavelength: red, yellow, blue
current interacts with the magnetic field of the frequency: red, yellow, blue
compass needle, causing the needle to deflect. c. wavelength: red, yellow, blue
c. The magnetic field from the moving charges in the frequency: blue, yellow, red
current interacts with the electric field of the d. wavelength: blue, yellow, red
compass needle, causing the needle to deflect. frequency: red, yellow, blue
d. The moving charges in the current produce a
magnetic field that interacts with the compass 3. Describe the location of gamma rays on the
electromagnetic spectrum.
470 Chapter 15 • Chapter Review

a. At the high-frequency and long-wavelength end of thickness of the wall of a soap bubble? Explain your
the spectrum answer.
b. At the high-frequency and short-wavelength end of a. The thickness of the bubble wall is ten times that of
the spectrum the wavelength of light.
c. At the low-frequency and long-wavelength end of b. The thickness of the bubble wall is similar to that of
the spectrum the wavelength of light.
d. At the low-frequency and short-wavelength end of c. The thickness of the bubble wall is half the
the spectrum wavelength of light.
d. The thickness of the bubble wall equals the cube of
4. In which region of the electromagnetic spectrum would
the wavelength of light.
you find radiation that is invisible to the human eye and
has low energy? 7. Bright sunlight is reflected from an icy pond. You look at
a. Long-wavelength and high-frequency region the glare of the reflected light through polarized glasses.
b. Long-wavelength and low-frequency region When you take the glasses off, rotate them 90°, and look
c. Short-wavelength and high-frequency region through one of the lenses again, the light you see
d. Short-wavelength and low-frequency region becomes brighter. Explain why the light you see changes.
a. The glass blocks horizontally polarized light, and the
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic light reflected from the icy pond is, in part,
Radiation polarized horizontally.
b. The glass blocks vertically polarized light, and the
5. Light travels at different speeds in different media. Put
light reflected from the icy pond is, in part,
these media in order, from the slowest light speed to the
polarized vertically.
fastest light speed: air, diamond, vacuum, water.
c. The glass allows horizontally polarized light to pass,
a. diamond, water, air, vacuum
and the light reflected from the icy pond is, in part,
b. vacuum, diamond, air, water
polarized vertically.
c. diamond, air, water, vacuum
d. The glass allows horizontally polarized light to pass,
d. air, diamond, water, vacuum
and the light reflected from the icy pond is, in part,
6. Visible light has wavelengths in the range of about 400 to polarized horizontally.
800 nm. What does this indicate about the approximate

Critical Thinking Items and green.

B. The blue section of the wheel will look yellow
15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum because it will reflect red and green light and
8. Standing in front of a fire, we can sense both its heat and absorb blue.
its light. How are the light and heat radiated by the fire
b. A. The blue section of the wheel will look blue
the same, and how are they different?
because it will absorb blue light and reflect red
a. Both travel as waves, but only light waves are a form and green.
of electromagnetic radiation.
B. The yellow section of the wheel will look yellow
b. Heat and light are both forms of electromagnetic
because it will absorb red and green light and
radiation, but light waves have higher frequencies. reflect blue.
c. Heat and light are both forms of electromagnetic
radiation, but heat waves have higher frequencies. c. A. The yellow section of the wheel will look blue
d. Heat and light are both forms of electromagnetic because it will absorb blue light and reflect red
radiation, but light waves have higher wavelengths. and green.
B. The blue section of the wheel will look yellow
9. Light shines on a picture of the subtractive color wheel.
because it will absorb red and green light and
The light is a mixture of red, blue, and green light.
reflect blue.
Part A—Which part of the color wheel will look blue?
Explain in terms of absorbed and reflected light. d. A. The blue section of the wheel will look blue
Part B—Which part of the color wheel will look yellow? because it will reflect blue light and absorb red
Explain in terms of absorbed and reflected light. and green.
a. A. The yellow section of the wheel will look blue B. The yellow section of the wheel will look yellow
because it will reflect blue light and absorb red because it will reflect red and green light and
absorb blue.

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 Chapter 15 • Chapter Review 471

10. Part A. When you stand in front of an open fire, you can frequencies, and therefore can penetrate matter to
sense light waves with your eyes. You sense another type greater depths.
of electromagnetic radiation as heat. What is this other d. A. X-rays
type of radiation? B. X-rays have shorter wavelengths (1 × 10–8 – 5 ×
Part B. How is this other type of radiation different front 10–12 m) and higher frequencies (3 × 1016 – 6 × 1019
light waves? Hz) than visible light (7.5 × 10–7 – 4.0 × 10–7 m; 4.0 ×
a. A. X-rays 1014 – 7.5 × 1014 Hz).
B. The X-rays have higher frequencies and shorter C. X-rays have high energies because of their high
wavelengths than the light waves. frequencies, and so can penetrate matter to greater
depths.
b. A. X-rays
B. The X-rays have lower frequencies and longer
wavelengths than the light waves.
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic
Radiation
c. A. infrared rays
12. Explain how thin-film interference occurs. Discuss in
B. The infrared rays have higher frequencies and
terms of the meaning of interference and the pathways
shorter wavelengths than the light waves.
of light waves.
d. A. infrared rays a. For a particular thickness of film, light of a given
B. The infrared rays have lower frequencies and wavelength that reflects from the outer and inner
longer wavelengths than the light waves. film surfaces is completely in phase, and so
undergoes constructive interference.
11. Overexposure to this range of EM radiation is
b. For a particular thickness of film, light of a given
dangerous, and yet it is used by doctors to diagnose
wavelength that reflects from the outer and inner
medical problems.
surfaces is completely in phase, and so undergoes
Part A—Identify the type of radiation.
destructive interference.
Part B—Locate the position of this radiation on the EM
c. For a particular thickness of film, light of a given
spectrum by comparing its frequency and wavelength to
wavelength that reflects from the outer and inner
visible light.
film surfaces is completely out of phase, and so
Part C—Explain why this radiation is both dangerous
undergoes constructive interference.
and therapeutic in terms of its energy, based on your
d. For a particular thickness of film, light of a given
answer to Part B.
wavelength that reflects from the outer and inner
a. A. X-rays
film surfaces is completely out of phase, and so
B. X-rays have shorter wavelengths (1 × 10–8 – 5 ×
undergoes no interference.
10–12 m) and higher frequencies (3 × 1016 – 6 × 1019
Hz) than visible light (7.5 × 10–7 – 4.0 × 10–7 m; 4.0 × 13. When you move a rope up and down, waves are created.
1014 – 7.5 × 1014 Hz). If the waves pass through a slot, they will be affected
C. X-rays have low energies because of their high differently, depending on the orientation of the slot.
frequencies, and so can penetrate matter to greater Using the rope waves and the slot as a model, explain
depths. how polarizing glasses affect light waves.
b. A. X-rays a. If the wave—electric field—is vertical and
B. X-rays have shorter wavelengths (1 × 10–8 – 5 × slit—polarizing molecules in the glass—is
10–12 m) and higher frequencies (3 × 1010 – 6 × 1013 horizontal, the wave will pass.
Hz) than visible light (7.5 × 10–7 – 4.0 × 10–7 m; 4.0 × b. If the wave—electric field— is vertical and
1014 – 7.5 × 1014 Hz). slit—polarizing molecules in the glass—is vertical,
C. X-rays have low energies because of their low the wave will not pass.
frequencies, and so can penetrate matter to greater c. If the wave—electric field—is horizontal and
depths. slit—polarizing molecules in the glass—is
c. A. X-rays B. X-rays have longer wavelengths (1 × horizontal, the wave will pass.
10–6 – 5 × 10–7 m) and higher frequencies (3 × 1015 – d. If the wave—electric field—is horizontal and
6 × 1015 Hz) than visible light (7.5 × 10–7 – 4.0 × 10–7 slit—polarizing molecules in the glass—is
m; 4.0 × 1014 – 7.5 × 1014 Hz). horizontal, the wave will not pass.
C. X-rays have high energies because of their high
472 Chapter 15 • Test Prep

Problems 15. Light travels through the wall of a soap bubble that is
600 nm thick and is reflected from the inner surface
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic back into the air. Assume the bubble wall is mostly water
Radiation and that light travels in water at 75 percent of the speed
14. Visible light has a range of wavelengths from about 400 of light in vacuum. How many seconds behind will the
nm to 800 nm . What is the range of frequencies for light reflected from the inner surface arrive compared to
visible light? the light that was reflected from the outer surface?
a. 3.75 × 106 Hz to 7.50 × 106 Hz a. 4.0 × 10–8 s
b. 3.75 Hz to 7.50 Hz b. 5.3 × 10–6 s
c. 3.75 × 10−7 Hz to 7.50 × 10−7 Hz c. 2.65 × 10–15 s
d. 3.75 × 1014 Hz to 7.50 × 1014 Hz d. 5.3 × 10–15 s

Performance Task instructions carefully on how to handle flammable

chemicals. Do not expose any chemical to a flame or
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic other heat source unless specifically instructed by your
Radiation teacher.
16. Design an experiment to observe the phenomenon of • HAND WASHING—Some materials may be
thin-film interference. Observe colors of visible light, hazardous if in extended contact with the skin. Be
and relate each color to its corresponding wavelength. sure to wash your hands with soap after handling and
Comparison with the magnitudes of visible light disposing of these materials during the lab.
wavelength will give an appreciation of just how very • WASTE—Some things in this lab are hazardous and
thin a thin film is. Thin-film interference has a number need to be disposed of properly. Follow your teacher's
of practical applications, such as anti-reflection coatings instructions for disposal of all items.
and optical filters. Thin films used in filters can be • A large flat tray with raised sides, such as a baking tray
designed to reflect or transmit specific wavelengths of • Small volumes of motor oil, lighter fluid or a
light. This is done by depositing a film one molecular penetrating oil of the type used to loosen rusty bolts,
layer at a time from a vapor, thus allowing the thickness and cooking oil
of the film to be exactly controlled. • Water
• EYE SAFETY—Chemicals in this lab are poisonous if • A camera
ingested. If chemicals are ingested, inform your
teacher immediately. a. Thin-film interference causes colors to appear on the
• FUMES—Certain chemicals or chemical reactions in surface of a thin transparent layer. Do you expect to
this lab create a vapor that is harmful if inhaled. see a pattern to the colors?
Follow your teacher's instructions for the use of fume b. How could you make a permanent record of your
hoods and other safety apparatus designed to prevent observations?
fume inhalation. Never smell or otherwise breath in c. What data would you need to look up to help explain
any chemicals or vapors in the lab. any patterns that you see?
• FLAMMABLE—Chemicals in this lab are highly d. What could explain colors failing to appear under
flammable and can ignite, especially if exposed to a some conditions?
spark or open flame. Follow your teacher's

TEST PREP
Multiple Choice 18. Which form of EM radiation has the most penetrating
ability?
15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum a. red light
17. Which type of EM radiation has the shortest b. microwaves
wavelengths? c. gamma rays
a. gamma rays d. infrared radiation
b. infrared waves 19. Why are high-frequency gamma rays more dangerous to
c. blue light humans than visible light?
d. microwaves a. Gamma rays have a lower frequency range than

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 Chapter 15 • Test Prep 473

visible light. 22. What is the wavelength of red light with a frequency of
b. Gamma rays have a longer wavelength range than 4.00 × 1014 Hz?
visible light. a. 2.50 × 1014 m
c. Gamma rays have greater energy than visible light b. 4.00 × 1015 m
for penetrating matter. c. 2.50 × 106 m
d. Gamma rays have less energy than visible light for d. 4.00 × 10-7 m
penetrating matter.
23. What is the distance of one light year in kilometers?
20. A dog would have a hard time stalking and catching a a. 2.59 × 1010 km
red bird hiding in a field of green grass. Explain this in b. 1.58 × 1011 km
terms of cone cells and color perception. c. 2.63 × 109 km
a. Dogs are red-green color-blind because they can d. 9.46 × 1012 km
see only blue and yellow through two kinds of cone
24. How does the illuminance of light change when the
cells present in their eyes.
distance from the light source is tripled? Cite the
b. Dogs are only red color-blind because they can see
relevant equation and explain how it supports your
only blue and yellow through two kinds of cones
answer.
cells present in their eyes.
a. if distance is tripled, then
c. Dogs are only green color-blind because they can
see only blue and yellow through two kinds of the illuminance increases by 19 times.
cones cells present in their eyes. b. if distance is tripled, then
d. Dogs are color-blind because they have only rods the illuminance decreases by 13 times.
and no cone cells present in their eyes. c. if distance is tripled,
then the illuminance decreases by 9 times.
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic d. if distance tripled, then
the illuminance increases by 3 times.
Radiation
25. A light bulb has an illuminance of 19.9 lx at a distance of
21. To compare the brightness of light bulbs for sale in a
2 m . What is the luminous flux of the bulb?
store, you should look on the labels to see how they are
a. 500 lm
rated in terms of ____.
b. 320 lm
a. frequency
c. 250 lm
b. watts
d. 1,000 lm
c. amps
d. lumens

Short Answer each other.

b. They are perpendicular to and in phase with each
15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum other.
26. Describe one way in which heat waves—infrared c. They are parallel to and out of phase with each
radiation—are different from sound waves. other.
a. Sound waves are transverse waves, whereas heat d. They are parallel to and in phase with each other.
waves—infrared radiation—are longitudinal 28. Explain how X-radiation can be harmful and how it can
waves. be a useful diagnostic tool.
b. Sound waves have shorter wavelengths than heat a. Overexposure to X-rays can cause HIV, though
waves. normal levels of X-rays can be used for sterilizing
c. Sound waves require a medium, whereas heat needles.
waves—infrared radiation—do not. b. Overexposure to X-rays can cause cancer, though in
d. Sound waves have higher frequencies than heat limited doses X-rays can be used for imaging
waves. internal body parts.
27. Describe the electric and magnetic fields that make up c. Overexposure to X-rays causes diabetes, though
an electromagnetic wave in terms of their orientation normal levels of X-rays can be used for imaging
relative to each other and their phases. internal body parts.
a. They are perpendicular to and out of phase with d. Overexposure to X-rays causes cancer, though
normal levels of X-rays can be used for reducing
474 Chapter 15 • Test Prep

cholesterol in the blood. 31. What is it about the nature of light reflected from snow
that causes skiers to wear polarized sunglasses?
29. Explain how sunlight is the original source of the energy
a. The reflected light is polarized in the vertical
in the food we eat.
direction.
a. Sunlight is converted into chemical energy by
b. The reflected light is polarized in the horizontal
plants; this energy is released when we digest food.
direction.
b. Sunlight is converted into chemical energy by
c. The reflected light has less intensity than the
animals; this energy is released when we digest
incident light.
food.
d. The reflected light has triple the intensity of the
c. Sunlight is converted into chemical energy by fish;
incident light.
this energy is released when we digest food.
d. Sunlight is converted into chemical energy by 32. How many lumens are radiated from a candle which has
humans; this energy is released when we digest an illuminance of 3.98 lx at a distance of 2.00 m?
food. a. 400 lm
b. 100 lm
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic c. 50 lm
Radiation d. 200 lm

30. Describe what happens to the path of light when the 33. Saturn is 1.43×1012 m from the Sun. How many minutes
light slows down as it passes from one medium to does it take the Sun’s light to reach Saturn?
another? a. 7.94 × 109 minutes
a. The path of the light remains the same. b. 3.4 × 104 minutes
b. The path of the light becomes circular. c. 3.4 × 10–6 minutes
c. The path of the light becomes curved. d. 79.4 minutes
d. The path of the light changes.

Extended Response C. ultraviolet radiation

15.1 The Electromagnetic Spectrum 35. A mixture of red and green light is shone on each of the
subtractive colors.
34. A frequency of red light has a wavelength of 700 nm.
Part A—Which of these colors of light are reflected from
Part A—Compare the wavelength and frequency of
magenta?
violet light to red light.
Part B—Which of these colors of light are reflected from
Part B—Identify a type of radiation that has lower
yellow?
frequencies than red light.
Part C—Which these colors of light are reflected from
Part C—Identify a type of radiation that has shorter
cyan?
wavelengths than violet light.
a. Part A. red and green
a. A. Violet light has a lower frequency and longer
Part B. green
wavelength than red light.
Part C. red
B. ultraviolet radiation
b. Part A. red and green
C. infrared radiation
Part B. red
b. A. Violet light has a lower frequency and longer Part C. green
wavelength than red light. c. Part A. green
B. infrared radiation Part B. red and green
C. ultraviolet radiation Part C. red
d. Part A. red
c. A. Violet light has a higher frequency and shorter
Part B. red and green
wavelength than red light.
Part C. green
B. ultraviolet radiation
C. infrared radiation
15.2 The Behavior of Electromagnetic
d. A. Violet light has a higher frequency and shorter Radiation
wavelength than red light.
36. Explain why we see the colorful effects of thin-film
B. infrared radiation
interference on the surface of soap bubbles and oil

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 Chapter 15 • Test Prep 475

slicks, but not on the surface of a window pane or clear less than the wavelength of light, and interference
plastic bag. occurs for thicknesses larger than the wavelength
a. The thickness of a window pane or plastic bag is of light.
more than the wavelength of light, and interference
37. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
occurs for thicknesses smaller than the wavelength
(OSHA) recommends an illuminance of for
of light.
desktop lighting. An office space has lighting hung
b. The thickness of a window pane or plastic bag is
above desktop level that provides only .
less than the wavelength of light, and interference
To what height would the lighting fixtures have to be
occurs for thicknesses similar to the wavelength of
lowered to provide on desktops?
light.
a.
c. The thickness of a window pane or plastic bag is
b.
more than the wavelength of light, and interference
c.
occurs for thicknesses similar to the wavelength of
d.
light.
d. The thickness of a window pane or plastic bag is