Key Vocab & Definitions

Optics

Behavior properties, and manipulation of light (visible, infrared, and ultraviolet)

visible light

Only part of the spectrum that the human eye can see

reflection

Light strikes than bounces off that surface

refraction

Bending of light as it passes through one transparent substance into another

absorption

White light is absorbed and only the reflected surface color is shown

dispersion

White light splits into its hidden colors after it hits a prism or raindrop

electromagnetic radiation

Energy that travels through space as waves or particles

lense

Transparent material designed to bend light rays

convex lense

Curved on both sides, light rays come together at one point

concave lense

Curved center, light rays bend away from each other