What is the relationship between the wavelength of light and its energy?

Shorter wavelength light has higher energy, while longer wavelength light has lower energy.

List the following types of electromagnetic radiation in order from lowest energy to highest energy: infrared, ultraviolet, visible light, radio waves, X-rays.

Radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays.

Explain how the color of light emitted by an object is related to its temperature.

Hotter objects emit light with higher energy and shorter wavelengths (bluer light), while cooler objects emit light with lower energy and longer wavelengths (redder light).

What is a spectrometer, and how do astronomers use it to study distant objects?

A spectrometer is a device that precisely measures the wavelength of light. Astronomers use it to analyze the light from distant objects and determine their chemical composition, temperature, and motion.

Describe how the Doppler effect can be used to determine if a star is moving towards or away from Earth.

If a star is moving towards Earth, its light is blue-shifted (wavelengths are compressed). If it's moving away, its light is red-shifted (wavelengths are stretched).

Light Energy and Wavelength

11th GradeScience75 min

aligned to Sc23.ess.epu.ssp (stars And Star Properties) Sc23.ess.epu.hp (historical Perspectives)

Learning Objective

I can explain how the energy and wavelength of light are related and how these properties encode information about distant objects.

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

11 min

Light: Crash Course Astronomy #24

CrashCourse

Guided Notes

15 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
Light is a form of energy that travels in waves, and we call it electromagnetic radiation.
•
The energy of light is related to its wavelength, where shorter wavelengths have more energy and are perceived as "bluer" colors.
•
By analyzing the light from distant objects using spectroscopy, we can determine their temperature, density, motion, and chemical composition.

Practice

23 min

12 questions • Multiple choice & Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Explain the relationship between the energy and wavelength of light. Then, describe how analyzing the light from a distant star can reveal its chemical composition.”

Teacher Guide

Get the complete package:

Answer keys for all questions
Differentiation strategies
Extension activities
Printable student handouts

Light Energy and Wavelength

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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