A-Level Physics Question Analysis Topic: Physics - Electromagnetic Waves
Exam Question:
1) Why are infra-red waves often called heat waves? Explain.
2) What do you understand by the statement, "Electromagnetic waves transport momentum"?
Answer:
For A-Level Physics, you should know:
1)
Infrared waves cause entire atoms and molecules to vibrate when they come into contact with any object.
The internal energy and temperature of the object rise as a result of these vibrations.
Infrared waves are hence frequently referred to as heat waves.
2)
Energy is carried via electromagnetic waves. This implies that they exert radiation pressure and carry motion.
The wave front's distribution of the energy and momentum is not constant.
Instead, photons carry separate packages of energy and momentum.
Work hard for your A-Level Physics examination!
End of analysis. Great!
