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The Light Tour
Detailed Learning Objectives


Light wavelength area

students should be able to:

  • describe the behavior of light:
    • travels as a wave
    • speed varies with transmission medium
    • complete spectrum of electromagnetic radiation
  • define "wavelength" in terms of a wave's shape and relate wavelength to type of EM radiation
  • define "amplitude" in terms of a wave's shape and relate amplitude to brightness (intensity) of light

Types of light
students should be able to:

  • name and order eight types of EM radiation by wavelength: radio, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, extreme ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays
  • describe what an angstrom is and its approximate size
  • match various wavelengths with the correct part of the EM spectrum

Observing objects in space
students should be able to:

  • name some kinds of EM radiation that penetrate the Earth's atmosphere, and some that don't
  • show knowledge of the approximate wavelength range of visible light, in angstroms
  • name a type of object that astronomers have observed emitting a certain type of EM radiation. For example: EUV--> white dwarf

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