Spectra Interference: Crash Course Physics #40

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Science

Grade(s)

9, 10, 11, 12

Overview

Light is everywhere, but it’s not as predictable as you might think. It’s a wave that travels in straight lines, yet it also reflects off of surfaces, refracts through various materials, and generally changes direction all the time. We know we can bend light to our will, with lenses and mirrors, but in this video, we will explore what we can learn from light.

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Physics

SC15.PHYS.10

Plan and carry out investigations that evaluate the mathematical explanations of light as related to optical systems (e.g., reflection, refraction, diffraction, intensity, polarization, Snell’s law, the inverse square law).

UP:SC15.PHYS.10

Vocabulary

  • medium
  • model
  • graph
  • image distance
  • object distance
  • focal point
  • magnification
  • critical angle
  • refraction
  • reflection
  • diffraction
  • interference
  • constructive interference
  • destructive interference
  • principal axis
  • center of curvature
  • intensity
  • inverse
  • angle of incidence
  • angle of reflection
  • angle of refraction
  • index of refraction
  • speed of light
  • system
  • velocity
  • polarization
  • minima
  • maxima
  • order
  • slit width
  • slit separation
  • object
  • image
  • real
  • virtual
  • inverted
  • erect
  • spherical aberration
  • chromatic aberration
  • total internal reflection
  • law of reflection
  • Snell's lLaw
  • prism
  • ray
  • concave
  • convex
  • plane
  • divergent
  • convergent
  • ray diagrams

Knowledge

Students know:
  • How light interacts at boundaries of different media.
  • The wave properties of light.
  • Basic trigonometric equations.
  • How to do graphical analysis.
  • Inverse and inverse square relationships.
  • Types of images and how images are formed.
  • Appropriate units of measure.
  • How to identify a system.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Develop an appropriate experimental procedure.
  • Create a data sheet.
  • Collect and organize experimental data.
  • Follow written and verbal instructions.
  • Make measurements using standard units.
  • Effectively manipulate laboratory equipment.
  • Work safely in collaborative lab groups.
  • Manipulate equations.
  • Interpret graphical data.
  • Solve mathematical equations.
  • Draw a light ray diagram and identify the location of an image.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The behavior of light is predictable mathematically allowing the development of optical devices to improve vision macroscopically and microscopically.

Scientific and Engineering Practices

Planning and Carrying out Investigations

Crosscutting Concepts

Cause and Effect

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

PBS

License Type

CUSTOM

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
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