Light Wave Properties of Light Reflection Refraction Diffraction Interference
May 11, 2015
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