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Mathematics and experiments show that light is a transverse wave – the electric and magnetic field vectors point in directions that are perpendicular to the direction of motion of the light wave (and as it turns out, they also rare always perpendicular to each other). Figure 3.1.1 – Electromagnetic Wave. The red arrows in the figure above ...
- Double-Slit Interference
A coherent plane wave comes into the double slit, and thanks...
- Double-Slit Interference
In physics, the term "light" may refer more broadly to electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength, whether visible or not. [4][5] In this sense, gamma rays, X-rays, microwaves and radio waves are also light. The primary properties of light are intensity, propagation direction, frequency or wavelength spectrum, and polarization.
Humans can see wavelengths from about 700 nm, which appears dark red, to about 400 nm, which appears violet. The light with short wavelengths (violet) carries more energy than the light with long wavelengths (red). In 1704 Sir Isaac Newton published a book called "Opticks" which explained some of the mysteries of light.
The change in direction of a beam of light as it travels from one material to another is called refraction. The diagram shows refraction of light passing into, and then out of, a glass block.
- Reflection of Light Waves
- Refraction of Light Waves
- Diffraction of Light Waves
All waves are known to undergo reflection or the bouncing off of an obstacle. Most people are very accustomed to the fact that light waves also undergo reflection. The reflection of light waves off of a mirrored surface results in the formation of an image. One characteristic of wave reflection is that the angle at which the wave approaches a flat ...
All waves are known to undergo refraction when they pass from one medium to another medium. That is, when a wavefront crosses the boundary between two media, the direction that the wavefront is moving undergoes a sudden change; the path is "bent." This behavior of wave refraction can be described by both conceptual and mathematical principles. Firs...
Reflection involves a change in direction of waves when they bounce off a barrier. Refraction of waves involves a change in the direction of waves as they pass from one medium to another. And diffractioninvolves a change in direction of waves as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle in their path. Water waves have the ability to travel...
introduction. Light is a transverse, electromagnetic wave that can be seen by the typical human. The wave nature of light was first illustrated through experiments on diffraction and interference. Like all electromagnetic waves, light can travel through a vacuum. The transverse nature of light can be demonstrated through polarization.
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29. Light waves – Conceptual Physics. 29. Light waves. Summary. Light has many fascinating properties and interacts in many meaningful and useful ways. By treating light as a wave and understanding its wave properties, we can learn about even more properties and applications of light in our lives.
