24.1 & 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

Absorption Spectrum

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

Emission Spectrum

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. The effect causes the sudden change in pitch noticeable in a passing siren, as well as the redshift seen by astronomers.

Photosphere

• The region of the sun that radiates energy to space; visible surface of the sun

Chromosphere

• The first layer of the solar atmosphere found directly above the photosphere

Corona

Solar Wind

• Stream of protons and electrons ejected at high speed from the solar corona

Sunspot

• A dark spot on the sun, which is cool by contrast to the surrounding photosphere

Prominence

• A concentration of gases above the solar surface that appears as a bright archlike structure

Solar Flare

Aurora

• A bright display of ever-changing light caused by solar radiation interacting with the upper atmosphere in the region of the poles

Nuclear Fusion

• The way in which the sun produces energy; Nuclear fusion occurs when less massive nuclei combine into more massive nuclei, releasing tremendous amounts of energy