Vocab ch. 24.1 and 24.3

Electromagnetic SPectrum

• the range of wavelengths or frequencies over which electromagnetic radiation extends.

photon

• a particle representing a quantum of light or other electromagnetic radiation. A photon carries energy proportional to the radiation frequency but has zero rest mass. ,

spectroscopy

• the branch of science concerned with the investigation and measurement of spectra produced when matter interacts with or emits electromagnetic radiation. ,

continuous spectrum

• an emission spectrum that consists of a continuum of wavelengths. ,

absorption spectrum

• a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through a substance, showing dark lines or bands due to absorption of specific wavelengths. ,

emission spectrum

• a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a source.

doppler effect

• an increase (or decrease) in the frequency of sound, light, or other waves as the source and observer move toward (or away from) each other.

photosphere

• the luminous envelope of a star from which its light and heat radiate.

chromosphere

• a reddish gaseous layer immediately above the photosphere of the sun or another star.

corona

• he rarefied gaseous envelope of the sun and other stars.

solar wind

• the continuous flow of charged particles from the sun that permeates the solar system.

sunspot

• a spot or patch appearing from time to time on the sun's surface, appearing dark by contrast with its surroundings.

prominence

• the fact or condition of standing out from something by physically projecting or being particularly noticeable.

solar flare

• a brief eruption of intense high-energy radiation from the sun's surface, associated with sunspots and causing electromagnetic disturbances on the earth, as with radio frequency communications and power line transmissions. Translate solar flare to

aurora

• a natural electrical phenomenon characterized by the appearance of streamers of reddish or greenish light in the sky, usually near the northern or southern magnetic pole.

nuclear fusion

• a nuclear reaction in which atomic nuclei of low atomic number fuse to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.