In this lesson students learn how AM radios work through basic concepts about waves and magnetic fields. Waves are first introduced by establishing the difference between transverse and longitudinal waves, as well as identifying the...

This illustrated essay from A Science Odyssey Web site explains the science behind radio waves, including the role of electrons and electromagnetic fields.

A study guide for concepts related to wave optics.

The dualistic nature of light is discussed. The photoelectric effect and the Davisson-Germer experiment are contrasted as empirical evidence supporting each of the two views - particle and wave - of the nature of light. The photoelectric...

A tutorial on the electromagnetic and visible spectra. Discusses dispersion and how perceptions of white and black are related to the visible light spectrum.

This illustrated physics tutorial explains the electromagnetic and visible spectra of light using illustrated examples and interactive practice problems.

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...

NASA related site shows the entire Electromagnetic Spectrum. Provides a brief description of the expansive colored spectrum as well as a related link that provides more details.

Described is a simple low cost home-made device that converts the radio wave energy from a mobile phone signal into electricity to light an LED. No battery or complex circuitry is required. The device can form the basis of a range of...

A solid summary from the University of Oregon of the work of James Maxwell Clerk, Michael Faraday, and others in the field of electric and magnetic phenomena. This is a fine essay.

College-level electrical engineering textbook starting from the Coulomb-Lorentz force law on a point charge. Sample problems that reinforce the content are found at the end of each chapter. Includes downloadable excerpts of the textbook...

Learn all about stars and the electromagnetic spectrum in this series of activities.

At this site from the Nobel e-Museum, you can read about the scientific work of Lord Rayleigh (1842-1919 CE). This article includes information on his education and experiments with light and sound waves.

This site from Georgia State University discusses the location of visible light on the electromagnetic spectrum. Includes the wavelength values for various colors of light within the visible light spectrum.

Research resources for James Maxwell (1831-1879), who did revolutionary work on electricity and magnetism and on the kinetic theory of gases.

This online exploration provides an opportunity to identify the different properties of waves and the relationship that exists between energy, wavelength, and frequency. Correlate images from the Hubble Telescope to the wavelength,...

What makes those kernels pop inside your microwave? A whole lot of water interacting with a whole lot of high-frequency electromagnetic waves. (Java tutorial)

A short sketch of the life and work of Thomas Young (1773-1829 CE). Traces early upbringing and education and his scientific discoveries and contributions.

Colm Kelleher describes the physics behind colors- why the colors we see are related to the period of motion and the frequency of waves. [3:09]

NASA provides a nice blending of the achievements of three scientists, Oersted, Ampere, and Maxwell. This done by NASA-sponsored International Solar-Terrestrial Physics group. Lots of pictures, diagrams, and scientific explanation. Good...

Most of us have seen the rainbow-hued breakdown of the composition of light. Light is of course a form of energy. A magnetic field changes the behavior of light- a phenomenon known as the Zeeman effect.

A description of the ways in which infra-red is used in astronomy, including an extended example describing how infra-red was used to learn about Pluto's moon, Charon. There are also links to other sites of astronomical interest.

This is the man who most encouraged Bell to invent the telephone. Bell said, "But for Henry, I never would have gone ahead with the telephone." This is a fascinating account both of Bell's invention and of Henry's life. Half a biography,...