Waves

Waves

1. Terminology

   • Diffraction
   • Dispersion
   • Wave Interference
   • nodal line
   • In Phase
   • Oscillate
   • Polarization
   • Electromagnetic Radiation

2. Design an inquiry involving the diffraction and interference of waves

   • using prepared double slit plates of known separation and an intense monochromatic light source (laser, direct the laser light through s double slit onto the screen located at least 3 m away

3. Explain the results of Young's double-slit experiment

   • Young's experiment resolved the two major problems in observing the interference of light: the two sources were in phase, and the distance between sources was small enough that a series of light and dark bands was created on a screen placed in the path of the light called interference fringes. The experiment provided very strong evidence for the wave theory of light.

4. Use the formula to determine the effect of slit width, distance to the screen and wavelength has on the size and location of the interference pattern in double and single slit experiments

5. Predict outcomes of interference of light waves when you shine lasers through single, double, and multiple slits

   • single slit - bright central region with dark regions of destructive interference, alternating with progressively less intense areas of bright constructive interference

6. Explain the effect of polarization caused by reflection and filters on the propagating electromagnetic radiation

   • reflection- when some absorption takes place at the point at which light is reflected off a smooth surface. light waves reflected from a flat surface are partially polarized in the horizontal plane. most glares comes from horizontal surfaces which is why the polarizing filters for polaroid sunglasses are arranged in the vertical plane, reducing the glare by absorbing the horizontally polarized light reflected from horizontal surfaces

7. Use the concepts of refraction, diffraction and wave interference to explain the separation of light into colours in various situations

   • light travelling through a prism
     • Visible light, also known as white light, consists of a collection of component colors. These colors are often observed as light passes through a triangular prism. Upon passage through the prism, the white light is separated into its component colors - red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet. The separation of visible light into its different colors is known as dispersion. It was mentioned in the Light and Color unit that each color is characteristic of a distinct wave frequency; and different frequencies of light waves will bend varying amounts upon passage through a prism.
     • It is this difference in n value for the varying frequencies (and wavelengths) that causes the dispersion of light by a triangular prism. Violet light, being slowed down to a greater extent by the absorption and re-emission process, refracts more than red light. Upon entry of white light at the first boundary of a triangular prism, there will be a slight separation of the white light into the component colors of the spectrum. Upon exiting the triangular prism at the second boundary, the separation becomes even greater and ROYGBIV is observed in its splendor.
   • light contacting thin film
     • light contacting soap film
     • When a wave (light waves included) reaches the boundary between two media, a portion of the wave reflects off the boundary and a portion is transmitted across the boundary. The reflected portion of the wave remains in the original medium. The transmitted portion of the wave enters the new medium and continues traveling through it until it reaches a subsequent boundary. If the new medium is a thin film, then the transmitted wave does not travel far before it reaches a new boundary and undergoes the usual reflection and transmission behavior. Thus, there are two waves that emerge from the film - one wave that is reflected off the top of the film and the other wave that reflects off the bottom of the film
     • Because different locations of the film may be of appropriate thickness to reinforce different colors of light, the thin film will show streaks of color when viewed from above. (constructive interference)

8. apply the universal wave equation to all types of wave motion

9. Describe in qualitative terms, the production of electromagnetic radiation by an oscillating electric dipole

   • a radio transmitter
   • a microwave emitter
   • an x-ray emitter
   • electron energy transitions in an atom

10. Analyze (with reference to the principles related to the wave nature of light) a technology that uses these principles

    • night vision goggles
    • wireless networks
    • holographic technology
    • the use of lasers in surgery improve surgical techniques