Topic:Topic:Light Interacting with MatterLight Interacting with Matter

Notebook page: 39

October 19, 2010

Properties of Light Waves

1. Light travels in a straight line except when the medium it travels through changes. Does light

always travel the

same way?

Reflection

2. Reflection:2. Reflection:

• Law of Reflection: This states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

MIRROR

A BAngle of Angle of IncidenceIncidence

Angle of Angle of ReflectionReflection

Normal Normal LineLine

==

Describe the law of reflection.

2. Reflection:2. Reflection:

• Two types of reflection: Regular and Diffuse reflection

Compare & Contrast diffuse & regular

reflection.

Characteristics of Light Waves

3. Absorption:3. Absorption:

• Absorption: the transfer of energy carried by light waves to particles in matter.

– This occurs when light hits opaque materials

(You can not see through opaque material)– Some Examples: – Solar panels that absorb energy from sun– Wearing dark colored clothing on a hot day

Describe absorption and give

an example

4. Transmission:4. Transmission:

• The passing of light through matter– This occurs when light hits transparent

materials(You can see through transparent material)

– Some Examples: *All the light you see is transmitted through air.

*Light is transmitted through windows which allows you to see through glass.

Describe transmission

and give an

example

5. Refraction:5. Refraction:• The bending of waves as they enter a

new medium at an angle.

• Refraction occurs because speed of light varies depending on the material in travels through.

– Some Examples: *Light entering through a prism, it is refracted and then separates white light

*Lenses refract light

Describe refraction and give

an example

Refraction