Light and Electromagnetic Waves

Study Notes

Reflection and Mirrors

The focal point is where the image forms, and it occurs when light rays converge.
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection for plane mirrors.
Specular reflection occurs on smooth surfaces, while diffuse reflection occurs on rougher surfaces, causing light to scatter.
Scattering of light occurs when light reflects off an uneven surface, like the Tyndall Effect.

Refraction and Lenses

Refraction is the bending of light when it passes through a translucent or transparent object.
Transmission of light is the process by which light passes through an object.
Convex lenses converge light rays, while concave lenses diverge them.
Real images form in front of convex lenses, while virtual images form behind them.

Image Properties

If the focal point is below the normal, the image is inverted; if it's above, the image is upright.

Dispersion and Light Properties

Dispersion occurs when white light passes through a prism, splitting into its spectrum of colors.
The angle of incidence equals the angle of emergence, and the incident ray is parallel to the emergent ray.
Luminescent light is created without heat, while incandescent light is created with heat.
ROY G BIV represents the colors of the rainbow.

Wave Properties

The longer the wavelength, the lower the frequency and energy.
The shorter the wavelength, the higher the frequency and energy.

Historical Theories

Christiaan Huygens proposed that light behaves like waves, while Isaac Newton proposed it behaves like particles.
Thomas Young's wave-particle duality theory was proven using the double slit experiment.

Wave Characteristics

A crest is the top of a wave, and amplitude is the distance between the crest and the middle line.
Wavelength is the distance between two neighboring crests, and frequency is the number of waves per second, measured in Hz.

Object Properties

Transparent objects allow all light to pass through, translucent objects allow some light to pass through, and opaque objects block all light.
Reflection occurs when light is absorbed and re-emitted at the same angle, occurs on opaque objects.
Convex mirrors bulge out, concave mirrors cave in, and plane mirrors are flat.

Description

Test your knowledge of light and its properties! This quiz covers the basics of luminescent and incandescent light, the colors of the rainbow, and the relationship between wavelength and frequency of electromagnetic waves. Get ready to shine!