![]() In Unit 11 of The Physics Classroom Tutorial, the reflection, refraction, and diffraction of sound waves was discussed. The reflection, refraction, and diffraction of waves were first introduced in Unit 10 of The Physics Classroom Tutorial. Each one of these behaviors - reflection, refraction and diffraction - is characterized by specific conceptual principles and mathematical equations. If the boundary is merely an obstacle implanted within the medium, and if the dimensions of the obstacle are smaller than the wavelength of the wave, then there will be very noticeable diffraction of the wave around the object. The transmitted wave undergoes refraction (or bending) if it approaches the boundary at an angle. Specifically, there will be some reflection off the boundary and some transmission into the new medium. Rather, a wave will undergo certain behaviors when it encounters the end of the medium. On this page, we will focus on three specific behaviors - reflection, refraction and diffraction.Ī wave doesn't just stop when it reaches the end of the medium. In Lesson 1, we will investigate the variety of behaviors, properties and characteristics of light that seem to support the wave model of light. Since light behaves like a wave, one would have good reason to believe that it might be a wave. Light behaves in a way that is consistent with our conceptual and mathematical understanding of waves. And light exhibits the Doppler effect just as any wave would exhibit the Doppler effect. Light undergoes interference in the same manner that any wave would interfere. Light diffracts in the same manner that any wave would diffract. Light refracts in the same manner that any wave would refract. Light reflects in the same manner that any wave would reflect. ![]() Light exhibits certain behaviors that are characteristic of any wave and would be difficult to explain with a purely particle-view. In this unit of The Physics Classroom Tutorial, the focus will be on the wavelike nature of light. The fact is that light exhibits behaviors that are characteristic of both waves and particles. No obligation, just expert advice.An age-old debate that has persisted among scientists is related to the question, "Is light a wave or a stream of particles?" Very noteworthy and distinguished physicists have taken up each side of the argument, providing a wealth of evidence for each side. Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free MCAT consultation with an MCAT Advisor using the form below. Want more MCAT practice? We’ve got options for every schedule and learning style!įrom the best online MCAT course created by top instructors with 524+ MCAT scores to the most representative full-length practice exams and private tutoring, we can custom tailor your MCAT prep to your goals! Reflection occurs when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index in which none of the light refracts, but instead reflects staying in the same medium as initially.ĭiffraction is the process of light spreading out after it passes through a narrow opening. Refraction is a component of dispersion but it only explains the way light bends and not the way white light is separated into the full color spectrum. The splitting of white light into its components of varying wavelengths is best described by dispersion. Oppositely, red light has the smallest decrease in wavelength and the lowest index of refraction. ![]() ![]() Ultimately, violet light has the largest decrease in wavelength and thus the highest index of refraction. Since each color has a slightly different wavelength, each color refracts slightly differently. Therefore, all the colors that comprise white light maintain their frequency but have a change in wavelength with a corresponding change in velocity. It is important to note that when light changes mediums, the frequency of the light does not change. This question is testing your understanding of optics and the physical phenomenon that results when white light shines through a prism of glass resulting in a rainbow of colors. The full spectrum of visible light created when light passes through a prism results from which of the following phenomenon?
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