Physics Review Unit 7 Light

University:
Concordia University Wisconsin
Course:
PHYS 1524 | General Physics II
Academic year:

2019
Views:

218

Pages:

3
Author:

Alma Hester

Unit 7: Light - Light wave: An electromagnetic wave produced by vibrating electric charges. Light waves contain both electric and magnetic fields. This component allows electromagnetic waves to travel through vacuums and material mediums because electric and magnetic fields are both in both mediums. - Electromagnetic Spectrum- The range of different types of electromagnetic radiation and its frequencies along with its wavelengths. - - Law of Reflection: The angle of incidence is equivalent to the angle of reflection when a ray of light bounces off a surface. - - Refraction: Occurs when a wave enters a medium with a different speed causing the wave to bend. - Index of Refraction: A value that is represented by the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a different medium with a greater density. As the refractive index increases, the level of refraction when entering or leaving the material increases. - Snell’s Law: Implies that ratio of the sine of the angles of incidence and transmission is equivalent to the ratio of the refractive index of the between the two mediums. - Critical Angle of Incidence: The angle of incidence that results in an angle refraction of 90 degrees. - - Total Internal Reflection: The reflection of the total amount of incident light at the interface between the two mediums. In order for this complete reflection to occur, the angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle. - Polarization: Occurs as a result of the wave’s regular variation in position having a definite direction that is relative to the direction of propagation of the wave. During polarization, the electric fields are all vibrating in one direction. -