Abstract
Radiant energy exists in the form of the electromagnetic spectrum, which extends from cosmic rays to radio-waves; the visible region is only a narrow band within the whole energy spectrum (Fig. 1.1). Several phenomena, including those of diffraction and interference, indicate that radiation is propagated as waves. In this form, it is depicted as oscillating, transverse electric and magnetic vectors (Fig. 2.1) which are characterized by wavelength, λ (lambda), the length of a cycle; and frequence, v (nu), the number of cycles per second. The velocity, c, is constant (speed of light in a vacuum = 2.998 × 108 m s-1), and is the product of the wavelength times the frequency:
Diagrammatic representation of a light wave, showing the simultaneous electric (E) and magnetic (M) vectors as a function of position along the axis of propagation.
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Further Reading
Bickford, E. D. & S. Dunn 1972. Lighting for plant growth. Ohio: The Kent State University Press.
Clayton, R. K. 1970. Light and living matter: a guide to the study of photobiology. Volume 1: The physical part. New York: McGraw Hill.
Seliger, H. H. & W. D. McElroy 1965. Light: physical and biological action. New York: Academic Press.
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© 1988 J. W. Hart
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Hart, J.W. (1988). Radiant Energy. In: Light and Plant Growth. Topics in Plant Physiology, vol 1. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5996-8_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-011-5996-8_2
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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