Light and Optics

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to light and optics.

Protractor

A tool used to measure angles.

Optical Illusions

Visual phenomena that deceive the brain into seeing something different from reality.

Natural Light Source

Light that comes from nature, such as the sun, fire, and bioluminescence.

Artificial Light Source

Light produced by electricity or chemical reactions, such as light bulbs and glow sticks.

Radiation

Energy transfer that does not require matter, such as the light from the sun.

Ray Model of Light

A model that represents light as traveling in straight lines.

Wavelength

The distance between the high points of light waves.

Concave Mirrors

Mirrors that curve inward and converge light rays to a focal point.

Convex Mirrors

Mirrors that bulge outward, diverging light rays and creating a larger image.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

Critical Angle

The specific angle at which light cannot refract and reflects instead.

Photoreceptors

Cells in the retina that detect light, including rods and cones.

Accommodation

The process by which the eye changes the shape of the lens to focus on objects at different distances.

Diffuse Reflection

Reflection that occurs when light hits a rough surface, scattering the light in different directions.

Law of Reflection

States that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.

Transparent Material

Allows light to pass through without scattering, e.g., glass.

Translucent Material

Allows some light to pass through but not enough for clear images, e.g., frosted glass.

Opaque Material

Blocks light completely, causing shadows, e.g., wood.

Electromagnetic Spectrum

The range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, each with different wavelengths.

Gamma Rays

High-energy light waves with very short wavelengths.

Rods

Photoreceptors that detect light intensity.

Cones

Photoreceptors that detect color and are concentrated in the retina.

Near-sightedness (Myopia)

A condition where distant objects appear blurry because light focuses in front of the retina.

Far-sightedness (Hyperopia)

A condition where nearby objects appear blurry because light focuses behind the retina.

Concave Lens

A lens that is thinner in the center than at the edges, used to correct myopia.

Convex Lens

A lens that is thicker in the middle, bringing light rays together, used to correct hyperopia.

Eye vs. Camera

In an eye, the iris controls light intake, while in a camera, the diaphragm does.

Internal Reflection

The reflection of light that occurs within a substance rather than at its surface.

Bioluminescence

The natural emission of light by living organisms, such as fireflies.

Hinge Point Question

A question used to prompt critical thinking and application of knowledge on refraction.

Mirage

An optical illusion caused by refraction of light through air layers of different temperatures.

Focal Point

The point where rays of light converge after passing through a lens or reflecting off a mirror.