Physics Chapter 14

Light & Reflection

14.1 Characteristics of Light Electromagnetic Wave a transverse wave consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields at right angles to each other.

14.1 Characteristics of Light

Electromagnetic Spectrum
A continuous spectrum of electromagnetic waves Divided into ranges by frequency (or wavelength)

14.1 Characteristics of Light

All electromagnetic waves move at the same speedthe speed of light (3.00 x 108 m/s).

WAVE SPEED EQUATION

14.1 Characteristics of Light

Two Factors in Detecting Light:
1. Brightness of the source 2. Distance from the source Follows the inverse-square law
Example: 2 x the distance = as much light 3 x the distance = 1/9 as much light

14.1 Examples for Problem Solving

14.2 Flat Mirrors Reflection the turning back of an electromagnetic wave at the surface of a substance
Diffuse rough surface; reflections in many directions
Specular smooth surface; reflections in one direction (parallel)

A surface is considered smooth if its surface variations are small compared to the wavelength of the incoming [wave].

14.2 Flat Mirrors

Angle of Incidence angle between a ray that strikes a surface and the normal to the surface at the point of contact.

Angle of Reflection angle formed by the line normal to a surface and the direction in which a reflected ray moves.

14.2 Flat Mirrors Flat mirrors simplest mirrors

Virtual Image an image formed by light rays that only appear to intersect
Seen behind the surface of a mirror Cannot be displayed on a physical surface

Location can be predicted with ray diagrams

14.2 Flat Mirrors Ray Diagrams

The image formed by a flat mirror appears to have right-to-left reversal.

14.3 Curved Mirrors Concave Spherical Mirror inwardly curved mirror; converges incoming light rays
Real Image formed when rays of light intersect at a single point

Convex Spherical Mirror outwardly curved mirror; diverges incoming light rays; image is always virtual

14.3 Curved Mirrors Parabolic Mirrors

Eliminate spherical abberation Segments of a 3D parabola Used in flashlights, headlights, telescopes

14.4 Color and Polarization Color of an object depends on

1. ..the color (or wavelengths) of light shining on the object.

2. ..the wavelengths that are reflected

Cone Cells 3 types allow humans to see color

14.4 Color and Polarization Linear Polarization The alignment of electromagnetic waves in such a way that the vibrations of the electric fields in each of the waves are parallel to each other.
Light can be linear polarized through transmission:

Some substances polarize light as it passes through Transmission axis direction of vibrations that can pass through a substance