Ray Model of Light

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and definitions related to the ray model of light from the lecture notes.

Light Ray

A thin line of light coming from a source, represented as a straight line with an arrow indicating its direction.

Luminous Object

An object that emits its own light, such as the Sun or lamps.

Non-luminous Object

An object that does not emit its own light and can only be seen by reflecting light from other sources.

Reflection

The bouncing of light rays off a surface.

Plane Mirror

A mirror with a flat surface that forms images that are upright, virtual, and the same size as the object.

Angle of Incidence

The angle formed between the incident ray and the normal at the point of incidence.

Angle of Reflection

The angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidence.

Concave Mirror

A mirror with a surface that curves inward, which can focus light rays to a single point.

Convex Mirror

A mirror with a surface that bends outwards, allowing for a wider field of vision and forming smaller, upright images.

Regular Reflection

Reflection that occurs on a smooth surface, forming a clear and undistorted image.

Irregular Reflection

Reflection that occurs on a rough surface, scattering light rays in different directions and not forming an image.

Refraction

The bending of light as it travels from one medium to another of different optical density.

Optical Density

A measure of how much the speed of light is reduced in a material compared to air.

Apparent Depth

The effect where an object underwater appears closer to the surface than it actually is due to the bending of light.

Dispersion of Light

The phenomenon where white light is split into its component colors when passing through a prism.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Types of radiation, including light, infrared, and ultraviolet radiation, that can travel through a vacuum.

Ultraviolet Radiation

A type of electromagnetic radiation that, in small amounts, helps the body produce Vitamin D but can cause skin cancer and eye damage if overexposed.

Infrared Radiation

A type of radiation that is absorbed by the skin and is used in thermal imaging and remote controls.