Microscopes and Optics

What is the law of Refraction?

Light or other waves bend when passing from one medium to another.

What is the law of Reflection?

When a light ray (or any wave) reflects off a smooth surface, the angle of incidence (the angle between the incoming ray and the surface's normal line) is equal to the angle of reflection.

What’s a microscope?

Convex lenses magnify small, close objects

What is a Refracting Telescope?

Refracting telescopes have large lens at the front (objective lens) and an eyepiece. They produce high-contrasting images, uses sealed tube to keep out dust and requires little maintenance. However expensive, heavy and long, and can only be supported at the edges, limiting size.

What is a reflecting telescope?

Reflecting telescopes use primary concave mirrors (collects light) and a secondary mirror (to redirect light to eyepiece or camera). Cheap and easy to make, however requires cleaning and maintenance such as fixing alignment of mirrors and dusting.

What is a radio telescope?

Uses a parabolic dish to reflect wavelengths to focal receiver in space.