Light and Matter Intro to Ray Diagrams SNC2D Now that we know that every object that we see is due to the light bouncing off of it… our new learning is goal is to understand HOW exactly the light reflects off of different types of objects
Dec 18, 2015
Light and MatterIntro to Ray Diagrams
SNC2D
Now that we know that every object that we see is due to the light bouncing off of it…our new learning is goal is to understand HOW exactly the light reflects off of different types of objects
Ray DiagramsRay diagrams are drawings that show the
path that light takes after it leaves its source.
Straight lines are used to represent rays of light. Arrows are included at the end of the line to indicate the direction of the light ray
These diagrams are used to explain why we see shadows and reflections
Why Do Certain Things Look Brighter Than Others?
The more light rays that can reach your eye, the brighter the object will seem!
How Does Light Reflect?Transparent Objects – let light pass through
(transmit) freely. They hardly absorb or reflect any light.
Translucent Objects – transmit some light but not enough to see through a material clearly.
Opaque Objects – absorb and reflect light, but they do not transmit
Shadows
A shadow occurs when an opaque object blocks the direct light from a light source.
A ray diagram illustrates how the size of a shadow depends on the size of the object blocking the light and its distance from the light source
Shadows
Umbra – part of shadow in which all light rays from the light source are blocked
Penumbra – area of partial shadow on either side of the umbra usually due to a very large light source compared to a smaller object
Light ReflectionRegular reflection happens when light rays
strike a smooth surface and reflect in the same direction, staying parallel to one another.