Electromagnetism

1. Electromagnetic Waves
   1. Wave Properties
      1. Speed
         1. Defined by the medium (e.g., speed of light in a vacuum)
         2. Invariant speed in a vacuum for all observers
         3. Relationship with frequency and wavelength: \( c = \lambda \nu \)
      2. Wavelength
         1. Measurement in meters or subunits (e.g., nanometers)
         2. Inverse relationship with frequency
         3. Effects on energy and penetration ability
      3. Frequency
         1. Measured in Hertz (Hz)
         2. Determines the energy of the wave
         3. Impacts on wave behavior (e.g., interaction with matter)
   2. Light as an Electromagnetic Wave
      1. Dual nature: particle and wave-like behavior
      2. Reflection, refraction, and dispersion
      3. Interaction with matter: absorption, transmission, scattering
   3. Radio Waves
      1. Longest wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum
      2. Generation through oscillating electric currents
      3. Applications
         1. Broadcasting (AM and FM radio)
         2. Communications (satellite, cellular networks)
      4. Characteristics
         1. Low energy, long distance travel
         2. Typically pass through obstacles
   4. Microwaves
      1. Shorter wavelengths than radio waves
      2. Generation by magnetrons in microwave ovens
      3. Applications
         1. Wireless communications (e.g., Wi-Fi)
         2. Radar technology
         3. Cooking and heating in domestic appliances
   5. Infrared Waves
      1. Wavelengths longer than visible light, shorter than microwaves
      2. Detection by sensors and cameras
      3. Applications
         1. Remote controls
         2. Thermal imaging
         3. Astronomy observations
      4. Role in heat transfer
         1. Emission from warm objects
   6. Visible Light
      1. Range perceivable by the human eye
      2. Spectrum includes all colors from red to violet
      3. Applications
         1. Vision and illumination
         2. Optical instruments (e.g., microscopes, telescopes)
         3. Communication through fiber optics
      4. Phenomena
         1. Reflection, refraction, and dispersion (e.g., rainbows)
   7. Ultraviolet Light
      1. Shorter wavelengths than visible light
      2. Divisions: UVA, UVB, UVC
      3. Effects on health
         1. Vitamin D synthesis
         2. Skin aging and risk of skin cancer
      4. Applications
         1. Sterilization and disinfection
         2. Fluorescence and phosphorescence
         3. Analysis of materials and substances
   8. X-Rays
      1. Wavelengths shorter than ultraviolet light
      2. Generation by X-ray tubes and synchrotrons
      3. Applications
         1. Medical imaging (diagnostic radiography)
         2. Security scanning (baggage inspection)
         3. Crystallography for material structure analysis
      4. Safety and handling
         1. Radiation protection measures
   9. Gamma Rays
      1. Shortest wavelength, highest energy
      2. Emitted from radioactive decay and astronomical phenomena
      3. Applications
         1. Cancer treatment (radiotherapy)
         2. Sterilization of medical equipment
         3. Astrophysical observations
      4. Handling considerations
         1. Shielding and exposure limits
         2. Detectors for measurement and analysis