Physics Tutorial: Wavelike Behaviors of Light

Overview

• Debate on Light: Light has been debated as either a wave or a particle.
• Dual Nature: Light shows characteristics of both waves and particles.
• Focus: This tutorial emphasizes the wavelike nature of light.

Wavelike Behaviors of Light

• Reflection
  • Behaves like other waves, reflecting off surfaces.
  • Follows the law of reflection: the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
  • Example: Mirrors forming images by reflecting light.
• Refraction
  • Light bends when passing between different media.
  • The direction and degree of bending depend on the speed in the media.
  • Governed by mathematical equations similar to other wave behaviors.
• Diffraction
  • Light waves bend around obstacles and through openings, similar to water and sound waves.
  • Shadow edges are fuzzy due to diffraction.
  • Example: A penny can cause an interference pattern when illuminated by a laser.

Reflection of Light Waves

• Light reflects like any wave, bouncing off obstacles.
• The reflective behavior supports the wave model of light.

Refraction of Light Waves

• Involves bending as light passes from one medium to another.
• Same mathematical and conceptual principles as other waves.
• Supports the wavelike nature of light.

Diffraction of Light Waves

• Changes in direction as light passes through openings or around obstacles.
• Creates interference patterns (e.g., penny and laser demonstration).
• Difficult to explain with a particle-view alone.

Conclusion

• Light behaves as a wave through reflection, refraction, and diffraction.
• Further behaviors that support the wave model will be discussed later in the lesson.