Everett C - Light Waves Reveiw

Light/Electromagnetic wave

A type of wave that is propagated through electromagnetic fields, consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation. Light waves are visible to the human eye and are part of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Crest

The highest point of a wave, representing maximum displacement from the rest position in a wave cycle.

Trough

The lowest point of a wave, representing minimum displacement from the rest position in a wave cycle.

Wavelength

The distance between successive crests or troughs of a wave, indicating the length of one complete wave cycle.

Amplitude

The maximum distance a wave varies from its rest position, indicating the wave's energy.

Frequency

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

Visible light - ROYGBIV

The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, consisting of wavelengths ranging from approximately 380 nm to 750 nm. It includes the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Prism

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

Spectroscope

An instrument used to observe and analyze the spectrum of light, allowing the identification of different wavelengths and colors present in a light source.

Medium

A substance through which light travels, affecting its speed and direction, such as air, water, or glass.

Reflection

The bouncing back of light when it hits a surface, following the law of reflection where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in its speed.

Angle of Reflection

The angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal line at the point of reflection, equal to the angle of incidence.

Angle of Incidence

The angle formed between the incident ray and the normal line at the point of incidence, equal to the angle of reflection.

Law of Reflection 

States that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, meaning the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal line all lie in the same plane.

Total Internal Reflection

Occurs when a light wave hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the medium.