ASTR 1210 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5-6: Adaptive Optics, Retina, Spectral Resolution
2 Sep 2016
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Radiative energy: the energy that light carries. Skin warms as it absorbs sunlight- gaining the energy from the sunlight. Interested in the rate at which light transfers energy. Power = rate of energy flow (measured in watts) 100-watt light bulb requires 100 joules of energy per second. Spectrum- rainbow of light after light is split by prism. White contains all colors of the rainbow, black has no color. Primary colors of vision: red, green, blue. Produce a spectrum with prism or diffraction grating (plastic/glass etched with closely spaced lines) The material properties of objects determines the colors it absorbs or reflects. Has peaks (high points) and troughs (low points) Carry energy outward but do not carry matter with them. Wavelength - distance from one peak to the next (or trough to the next) Frequency- number of peaks passing any point each second (use hertz as units) Speed- how fast energy travels from one place to another.
