Module 5
1. Module 5
1.2. In this Module
Module 5—Wave Theory of Light
In This Module
In Module 5 the wave model of light will be used to describe the following characteristics of electromagnetic radiation:
- its production
- its speed and propagation
- reflection
- refraction
- diffraction and interference
Lesson 1—Electromagnetic Radiation
In this lesson you will explore the properties of the many forms of electromagnetic radiation that form the electromagnetic spectrum, including how radiation is generated, transmitted, and received. You will also learn how electrical charge and magnetic field are related to the production of electromagnetic radiation.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- Is electromagnetic radiation more than just visible light?
- How is the electromagnetic spectrum organized?
- How are electrical charge and magnetic field related to the production of electromagnetic radiation?
- How are electromagnetic waves generated, transmitted, and received in technologies such as the radio?
Lesson 2—The Speed of Light
In this lesson you will learn how to measure the speed of light by using another planet, in a laboratory, and in a microwave.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- How can you measure the speed of light using another planet?
- How can you measure the speed of light in a laboratory?
- How can you measure the speed of light using a microwave oven?
Lesson 3—Reflection
In this lesson you will explore the law of reflection in various contexts. You will learn about the two different types of reflection, what a ray diagram represents, and how to draw and use ray diagrams to predict and explain the characteristics of images formed in flat and curved mirrors.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- What is regular and diffuse reflection?
- What is the law of reflection?
- How do I draw a ray diagram, and what does it represent?
- How are images formed in flat and curved mirrors, and how are ray diagrams used to predict and explain their characteristics?
Lesson 4—Refraction
In this lesson you will learn about the nature and cause of refraction and how Snell’s Law can describe it mathematically. You will also explore other properties of refraction and the role of these properties when a prism produces a rainbow.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- What is the nature and cause of refraction?
- What is an “index of refraction”?
- How does Snell’s Law describe refraction mathematically?
- What is total internal reflection?
- How do you calculate a critical angle?
- How does a prism produce a rainbow, and how is a prism similar to a natural rainbow?
Lesson 5—Refractions, Lenses, and Optical Systems
In this lesson you will learn what is meant by a thin lens and how ray diagrams and the thin lens equation are both used to predict image characteristics for thin lenses.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- What is a thin lens?
- How are ray diagrams used to predict image characteristics for thin lenses?
- How is the thin lens equation used to predict image characteristics for thin lenses?
Lesson 6—Diffraction and Interference
In this lesson you will investigate what is meant by diffraction and interference patterns. You will also explore the significance of Thomas Young’s experiment as it relates to the wave model of light.
You will investigate the following essential questions:
- What is diffraction?
- What is an interference pattern?
- What is the significance of Thomas Young’s experiment as it relates to the wave model of light?
- How are diffraction patterns solved mathematically in ideal and experimental conditions?