Optics Study Guide

Optics Quest

LIGHT

What do we know about light/ properties of light?

- Travels very fast 300,000 kilometers per second

- Moves in straight lines

- We see objects when light reflects off of them

- Light can also be transmitted

- Light can also be absorbed

- Shadows are where light is blocked

Wave Diagram:

Faster Waves= More Energy

Slower Waves= Lower Energy

High frequency and a short wavelength

Low frequency and a long wavelength

- Light is not just what we can see

- Light includes all types of electromagnetic radiation

Who discovered Invisible Light? Herschel

How did he discover it?

- Cut a hole in a box and put 3 thermometers where the light shined through.

- He thought the yellow would have the highest temp, although the black one did.

- He said this was invisible light.

- He called it infrared

THE ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Highest to lowest-

Guys- Gamma Ray (Radioactive Materials)

Experience- X-Ray (X-Ray Machines)

Unusual- Ultraviolet (Sunburn)

Vibrations- Visible (Laser Printers)

In- Infrared (Light)

My- Microwave (Microwaves)

Room- Radio (Radio

LIGHT BULBS

| |Regular Incandescent |CFL |LED |

|How it creates light |By heating up |Electric current creates UV light which is |Semi conductor, when electrons move across |

| | |invisible and that UV light creates visible |it, it causes light |

| | |light | |

|Pros |Light well...