science- optics

Optics

Optics is the study of light.

Electromagnetic Radiation

Electromagnetic radiation is energy that travels as waves.

Incandescence

Incandescence is light from heat. Example: An incandescent light bulb.

Bioluminescence

Bioluminescence is light made by living things. Example: Fireflies

Chemiluminescence

Chemiluminescence is light from a chemical reaction. Example: Glow sticks

Fluorescence

Fluorescence is when something glows after light shines on it. Example: Fluorescent paint

Phosphorescence

Phosphorescence is when something glows in the dark for a long time. Example: Glow-in-the-dark stars

Triboluminescence

Triboluminescence is light made by rubbing or crushing things. Example: Wint-O-Green Lifesavers

LED (Light-emitting diode)

An LED is a light that uses electricity. Example: traffic lights

Incident Light

Incident light is the light that hits an object. Example: Sunlight hitting a window

Transparent

Something that is transparent allows things to be seen clearly. Example: clear glass

Translucent

Allows some light to pass through it, but scatters it so that objects behind it cannot be clearly distinguished. Example: frosted glass

Opaque

A material that does not allow any light to pass through it. Example: Wood

Reflection

When light bounces off a surface. Example: mirror

Angle of Incidence

The angle between the incident ray and the normal at the surface. Example: Light shining on a mirror

Angle of Reflection

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal at the surface. Example: Light bouncing off a mirror