Light
Light phenomena are examples of the interaction of the physical world with human biology. The wave model of light, compared with the particle model of light, will be evaluated in terms of satisfactorily explaining light phenomena.
Students will use the wave-like properties of light in the contexts of seeing with the unaided eye, extending visual and communication capabilities, and special theatrical effects.
describe transverse waves in terms of
– amplitude
– wavelength
– period and frequency;
calculate wavelength, frequency, period and speed of travel of light waves, v = fλ = λ/T;
investigate and analyse the behaviour of light using ray diagrams including
– reflection, i = r
– refraction, Snell’s Law
– total internal reflection, critical angle
describe light using a wave model and a particle model;
explain polarisation of visible light and its relation to a transverse wave model;
compare the wave model and the particle model of light in terms of whether they adequately describe reflection and refraction;
identify visible light as a particular region of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation and that all light travels at the speed of light in a vacuum, c;
explain the colour components of white light as different frequencies of light combining to appear white;
explain colour dispersion in prisms and lenses in terms of refraction of the components of white light as they pass from one medium to another;
identify and apply safe and responsible practices when working with light sources and optical devices.
Key skills
These are as important and relevant to Physics as the key knowledge for each topic. Students will only obtain an ‘S’ for the Unit if they can demonstrate these Key Skills. Here is criteria for satisfactory completion of practical work.
Assessment tasks
Refraction and TIR/critical angle practical tasks
Class, online and common tests
Semester exam
Practical tasks
Refraction of light and Snell’s Law
Total internal reflection and critical angle
Ripple tank pracs: reflection, refraction, diffraction and interference
Addition of colours
Subtraction of colours
Virtual lab
Refraction
Huygen’s principle of waves
Wave motion
Ray tracing mirrors and lenses
Extra resources
Analysis of an experiment
Vision impairment notes
Fibre optic notes
The perfect mirror
Solutions to text questions (The Nature of Waves chapter)
Solutions to text questions (Models for Light chapter)
Solutions to text questions (Mirrors, Lenses and Optical Systems chapter)
Solutions to text questions (Area of Study)
Podcasts
Models of light (Nelson)
Reflection & refraction (Nelson)