scince light waves

electromagnic wave

A type of wave that consists of oscillating electric and magnetic fields, propagating through space. Electromagnetic waves include visible light, radio waves, X-rays, and more.

Crest

The highest point of a wave, where the amplitude is at its maximum.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave, where the amplitude is at its minimum.

Wavelength  

The distance between two consecutive crests or troughs of a wave, representing the length of one complete wave cycle.

Amplitude

The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy level.

Frequency

The number of complete wave cycles that pass a given point in a specific amount of time, usually measured in Hertz (Hz).

Visible light

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, typically ranging from wavelengths of about 380 nm to 750 nm.

Prism

A transparent optical element that refracts light, separating it into its constituent colors, typically seen in a spectrum.

Spectroscope

An instrument used to measure and analyze the spectrum of light, allowing observation of its component wavelengths.

Medium

Any substance through which light travels, such as air, water, or glass.

Reflection

The bouncing back of light waves when they encounter a surface, such as a mirror or water.

Refraction

The bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another, changing speed and direction.

Angle of Reflection

The angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal to the surface at the point of reflection. It is equal to the angle of incidence.

angle of Incidence

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

Law of Reflection 

The law stating that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, meaning that light reflects off a surface at the same angle at which it arrives.

Total Internal Reflection

The phenomenon that occurs when a light wave strikes the boundary of a medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing the light to be completely reflected back into the medium instead of refracting.