Module 5
1. Module 5
1.1. Big Picture
Module 5—Wave Theory of Light
Big Picture
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In Module 5 you will investigate the production, propagation, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference of light. These characteristics will show that light behaves like a wave, answering the question, “Is light a wave or a particle?” Each lesson will examine a behaviour or characteristic of light and the key experiments that show how that behaviour or characteristic demonstrates the wave nature of light.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of light? For most people, it is sunshine. Sunshine greets us in the morning, warms us in the day, and lets us see the moon at night. In essence, sunshine allows us to observe our environment and understand what surrounds us.
In this respect, light is a tool that helps build our understanding of both the universe and our immediate surroundings, all at the same time. People use light every day without much thought about how light is produced or what it is. Only in recent times have we learned that visible light only makes up a very small section of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, radio waves, X-rays, infrared heat, and ultraviolet radiation are just a few of the many classifications of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) that demonstrate very similar behaviours to that of visible light.
Understanding such a vast array of applications and observations is simplified using a model. In this module you will explore many parts of the electromagnetic spectrum using a wave model, particle model, or both.
Using both observations and models, you will investigate the nature and behaviour of light and electromagnetic radiation in general.
As you are working in Module 5, keep the following questions in mind:
- What roles do electricity and magnetism play in the production of electromagnetic radiation (EMR)?
- Does EMR exhibit wave- or particle-like characteristics?
- What does experimental evidence suggest about the nature of EMR?
Module Assessment
Each lesson has a teacher-marked assignment, based on work completed in the lesson. In addition, you will be graded on your contributions to the Discuss section of each lesson.
You will also be asked to complete Self-Check or Try This questions, which you should place in your Physics 30 course folder. These are not formally assessed but are a valuable way to practise the concepts and skills of the lesson. These activities can provide you with reflective feedback on your understanding of the lesson work.
You will be marked for your lesson work on the following items:
- Module 5: Lesson 1 Assignment
- Module 5: Lesson 2 Assignment
- Module 5: Lesson 3 Assignment
- Module 5: Lesson 4 Assignment
- Module 5: Lesson 5 Assignment
- Module 5: Lesson 6 Assignment
At the end of the module you will complete a module assessment that consists of two diploma-style written response questions. The first question will assess your ability to perform a refraction experiment, and the second will assess your comparison of the spectrum created by a diffraction grating with the spectrum produced by a prism. You will find these questions in the Module 5 Summary and Assessment. If you have any questions, contact your teacher.