Optics and Lenses-MCAT

Describe electromagnetic waves

transverse waves that consist of oscillating electric field and an oscillating magnetic field

In electromagnetic waves, how do the electric and magnetic waves orient themselves in space

Two fields are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation of the wave

Regarding the electromagnetic spectrum, which waves have the lowest and highest wavelength, respectively?

γ-waves, long-radio waves

Regarding the electromagnetic spectrum, which waves have the lowest and highest frequencies, respectively?

long-radio waves, γ-waves

Regarding the electromagnetic spectrum, what is the range in nm of visible light?

380-750nm

What is a reflection?

rebounding of incident light waves at the boundary of a medium

Regarding mirrors, describe the images produced by a concave miror

converging systems, that produce real, inverted images OR virtual, upright images depending on placement of the object

Regarding mirrors, describe the images produced by a convex mirror

Diverging systems and will ONLY produce virtual, upright images

If a ray strikes a mirror parallel to the axis, how will it be reflected back and what image will it produce?

Reflected back through the focal point; Real, inverted, magnified

If a ray strikes a mirror and passes through the focal point before reaching the mirror, how will it be reflected back and what image will it produce?

Reflected back parallel to the axis; No image formed

If a ray strikes a mirror at the point of intersection with the axis, how is it reflected and what image will it produce?

Reflected back with the same θ measured from the normal; Virtual, upright, magnified

What does a single, diverging mirror form?

Only a virtual, upright images

What will the focal length be of a converging mirror?

Positive

What will the focal length be of a diverging mirror?

Negative

What will a plane mirror produce?

virtual, upright images; image is always the same size as the object

What is the equation for speed of light?

c = ƒ λ

Optics equation

1/ƒ = 1/o + 1/i = 2/r

Index of refraction

n = c/v

Power equation

P = 1/ƒ

What is the speed of light in air?

3.0 x 10⁸m/s

Describe refraction

bending of light as it passes from one medium to another and changes speed

Difference between lenses and mirrors

Lenses refract light while mirrors reflect light

Describe thin spherical lenses

Have 2 focal points, one on each side; focal lengths are equal

If a patient is suffering from hyperopia, what type of lense would they need and with that focal length?

A converging lense/convex lense with a positive focal length

If a patient is suffering from myopia, what type of lense would they need and with what focal length?

Diverging/concave lense with a negative focal length

In real lenses, what is the focal length related to?

The curvature of the lens's surface and the index of refraction of the lens

What does a positive image distance tell?

It means that the image is real and located on the real side; where light actually goes after interacting with the lens/mirror

What does a negative image distance tell?

It means that the image is virtual and located on the virtual side; it is on the same side of lens from the original light source

What is power of a lense measured in and what is the difference in a positive vs negative power?

Diopters; positive refers to a converging lens and negative refers to a diverging lens