Properties of light

Light

Wave Properties of LightReflectionRefractionDiffractionInterference

Reflection

Reflectionwhen a wave strikes an object and bounces off

Reflection

incident ray reflected rayNormal

Surface

Reflection

Reflection

incident ray reflected rayNormal

Surface

ReflectionNormal-line perpendicular to the

reflecting surface.Incident ray/incoming ray-the ray

that hits the barrier/surface.Angle of incidence-angle formed

by the incident ray with the normal.

Reflection

Angle of reflection-angle formed by the reflected ray with the normal.

Reflection

incident ray reflected rayNormal

Surface

Reflection

Law of Reflectionthe angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection

The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal lie on the same plane

Fiber OpticsTotal Internal Reflection

•when all light is reflected back into the denser medium

Refraction

Refraction

Refractionbending of waves when passing from one medium to another

Refraction

Refractioncaused by a change in speed

•slower (more dense) refracted ray bends toward the normal

•faster (less dense) refracted ray bends away from the normal

Refraction

SLOWER

Refraction

FASTER

Refraction

Rainbowsrefraction-reflection-refraction

Diffraction

Diffraction

bending of waves around a barrier

depends on the wavelength and size of the opening barrier.

Diffraction Gratingsglass or plastic made up of many tiny parallel slits

may also be reflectivespectroscopes, reflective rainbow stickers, CD surfaces

Diffraction

Interference

When two waves meets, they have an effect with each other.constructive when the crest of one wave meet the crest of the other one

Interference

destructive when the crest of one wave meet the trough of the other wave

Interference

constructive brighter lightdestructive dimmer light

Interference

Thin Films - Bubbles & Oil Slicksinterference results from double reflection