Wave Properties of Light: Reflection, Refraction, Diffraction, and Interference, Slides of Physics

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Ch. 19 - Light

III. Wave Properties of Light

Reflection

Refraction

Diffraction

Interference

A. Reflection

Reflection

when a wave

strikes an object

and bounces off

incident beam reflected beam

Normal

B. Refraction

Refraction

bending of waves when passing

from one medium to another

caused by a change in speed

• (^) slower (more dense)  light

bends toward the normal

SLOWER

FASTER

• (^) faster (less dense)  light bends

away from the normal

B. Refraction

Refraction depends on…

speed of light in

the medium

wavelength of

the light - shorter

wavelengths (blue)

bend more

C. Diffraction

Diffraction

bending of waves

around a barrier

longer wavelengths

(red) bend more -

opposite of refraction

D. Interference

Interference

constructive  brighter light

destructive  dimmer light

E. Cool Applications!

The “Broken Pencil”

refraction

View animation and explanation of the “Broken Pencil.”

E. Cool Applications!

Rainbows

refraction-reflection-refraction

E. Cool Applications!

Thin Films - Bubbles & Oil Slicks

interference results from double reflection

E. Cool Applications!

Blue Sky & Red Sunsets

NOON

• (^) less atmosphere
• (^) less scattering
• (^) blue sky, yellow sun

SUNSET

• (^) more atmosphere
• (^) more scattering
• (^) orange-red sky & sun
  • (^) Molecules in atmosphere

scatter light rays.

• (^) Shorter wavelengths (blue, violet)

are scattered more easily.