optics flashcards

optics science olympiad

reflection

incident light ray that land on the surface is reflected off the surface

specular

reflection takes place at a particular angle at every point on the smooth surface is called a specular reflection or regular reflection (i.e. mirror, placid lake)

diffuse

reflection of light or other waves or particles from a surface such that a ray incident on the surface is scattered at many angles rather than at just one angle (shirt, road, rippled water)

refraction

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in its speed. It occurs due to the change in the direction of light rays when they pass through a boundary between two different materials

incidence

In optics, incidence refers to the angle at which a ray of light or electromagnetic wave approaches a surface or interface. It is the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence.

refraction index

Refraction Index = Speed of Light in Vacuum / Speed of Light in the Medium

(It is represented by the symbol "n" and is a dimensionless quantity)

deviation prism

light travels from one medium to another

dispersion prism

separates white light into visible spectrum

convex

curves outward like a spoon

concave

curved inward

plain

angle of reflection = angle of incidence

real image

A real image in optics is formed when light rays converge and intersect, resulting in an image that can be projected onto a screen. It is formed by actual intersection of light rays and can be captured on a surface. Real images are formed by concave mirrors and converging lenses.(always inverted)

virtual image

A virtual image in optics is an image formed by the apparent intersection of light rays that do not actually converge. It cannot be projected onto a screen and is always located on the same side of the lens as the object. It is formed when the diverging rays from an object appear to originate from a point behind the lens or mirror.

erect image

An erect image in optics refers to an image that appears upright and in the same orientation as the object being observed. It is formed when light rays converge or diverge in a way that preserves the relative positions and orientations of the object's features. This is commonly observed in mirrors and lenses that produce virtual images (appears right side up)

additive colors

Additive colors are created by combining different wavelengths of light. The primary additive colors are red, green, and blue (RGB). When these colors are combined at full intensity, they create white light. Mixing different intensities of these colors can produce a wide range of hues. This color model is used in electronic displays such as TVs and computer monitors.

subtractive colors

Subtractive colors are a result of mixing pigments or dyes. When different pigments are combined, they absorb certain wavelengths of light, resulting in the perception of different colors. The primary subtractive colors are cyan, magenta, and yellow. When these colors are mixed together, they create secondary subtractive colors such as red, green, and blue. The subtractive color model is commonly used in printing and mixing paints