Light Waves
Properties of Light
Recall
Light
Wave Theory Quantum Theory of Light
Light has a wave motion which Light is composed of bundles
starts from a vibrating body of wave energy called photons.
and is emitted at high speed.
Light as a wave
Properties
Light as a wave
Properties
Reflection Refraction Diffraction Interference polarization
Properties of Light
Light waves bounce off from a reflecting surface.
Law of Reflection
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection as measured from the normal line.
Reflection
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Light waves bounce off from a reflecting surface.
Total Internal Reflection
Angle of incidence is greater than the critical
angle, if the light is exiting a medium
Reflection
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Properties of Light
Light waves bounce off from a reflecting surface.
Two types:
1. Specular (regular)
Reflection 2. Diffuse
Specular Reflection Diffuse Reflection
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Properties of Light
Light waves bounce off from a reflecting surface.
Exhibits:
1. Absorption
Reflection 2. Scattering
Absorption Scattering
Transfer of light waves to Reflection of light by
the particles of matter particles
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Properties of Light
Bending of light as it passes from one medium to another
As light refracts, the velocity of the wave is altered,
wavelength increases or decreases, but its frequency
remains constant.
Refraction
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Bending of light as it passes from one medium to another
As light refracts, the velocity of the wave is altered,
wavelength increases or decreases, but its frequency
remains constant.
Refraction
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Law of Refraction (Snell’s Law)
: the incident ray, the refracted ray, and the normal to
the interface, all lie in the same plane.
Refraction
𝒏𝟏 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽𝟏 = 𝒏𝟐 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝜽𝟐
n1= incident index of medium 1
n2=refracted index of medium 2
𝜃!= incident angle of medium 1
𝜃!= refracted angle of medium 2
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Law of Refraction (Snell’s Law)
: the incident ray, the refracted ray, and the normal to
the interface, all lie in the same plane.
Refraction
𝒄
𝒏=
𝒗
n1= refracted index
c=speed of light= 3.0 x10 8 m/s
𝑣= velocity of light as it passes from
vacuum to another medium
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Law of Refraction (Snell’s Law)
: the incident ray, the refracted ray, and the normal to
the interface, all lie in the same plane.
Refraction
Effect associated with the
Dispersion separation of light into colors by a
prism
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7vWqvnl7t6nxWtXnF01Vwmzk_hE5XPBMag6jdpMb_gFVLNb2lw2JoFs
Properties of Light
Bending of light as it passes around the edge of a barrier
The bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength
of light to the size of the opening.
Diffraction
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Properties of Light
Bending of light as it passes around the edge of a barrier
The bending depends on the relative size of the wavelength
of light to the size of the opening.
Diffraction
Silver lining
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Properties of Light
Modification in the distribution of light energy due to
superposition of two light waves
Two types: constructive and destructive interference
Interference
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Recall
• Studied the interference and diffraction of light that
established the Wave Theory of Light
Thomas Young
Properties of Light
Property of light waves that describe the orientation of its
vibrations.
Three types: linear, circular, elliptical
Polarization
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Properties of Light
Property of light waves that describe the orientation of its
vibrations.
Three types: linear, circular, elliptical
Polarization
Aurora Borealis
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Light as a wave
Properties
Reflection Refraction Diffraction Interference polarization
