The Nature of Light

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The Nature of Light

An Introduction to Light and Its Properties

9th Grade

What is light? How do we see the world around us? How do we perceive colors? Does matter have color? How is a shadow formed? Is there light that our eyes cannot see? How does light interact with matter? What is white light?

The purpose of this series of experiments is to introduce students to fundamental concepts and phenomena such as the rectilinear propagation of light, reflection, refraction, diffusion, and total internal reflection; the visible spectrum of electromagnetic radiation; colors; and lenses and mirrors.

At the same time, students are introduced to the concepts of infrared and ultraviolet radiation and are encouraged to make connections between theory, everyday life, and technological applications.

Modules

  1. Rectilinear propagation of light
  2. Reflection
  3. Refraction
  4. Diffusion
  5. Total internal reflection
  6. Scattering
  7. Newton and the analysis of white light.
  8. How do we perceive colors? Do the objects around us have color?
  9. Ultraviolet and Infrared Radiation
  10. Lenses and mirrors.

 

11th Grade

What is light? How does light interact with matter (reflection, refraction, diffusion, absorption)? How do we see the world around us? Does matter have color? Is there light that we cannot see? What is the electromagnetic spectrum? Is light a wave or a particle?

The purpose of this experiment demonstration is to introduce the students tostudents to fundamental concepts regarding the nature of light and electromagnetic radiation and to highlight the ways in which light and matter interact. Finally, through experiments, the goal is for students to learn about the dual nature of light.

Modules

  1. Rectilinear propagation, reflection, refraction, diffusion, absorption.
  2. Visible spectrum
  3. Electromagnetic spectrum
  4. Infrared radiation
  5. Ultraviolet radiation
  6. Frequency and Wavelength
  7. Transverse Waves and Wave Interference
  8. The Wave Nature of Light
  9. The Particle Nature of Light

Educational Objectives

  • An introduction to the fundamental concepts of the physics of light, an exploration of the properties of light, its nature, and its interactions with matter.
  • Presenting complex concepts in a simple, interesting, and enjoyable way.
  • Development of critical thinking.
  • Familiarization with concepts in modern physics.
  • The connection between science and technology.
  • Connection to everyday life.

 

Additional Resources – Bibliography

 

  1. Nikolaos Antoniou, Panagiotis Dimitriadis, Konstantinos Kampouris, Konstantinos Papamichalis, Labrini Papatsima, Physics for 9th Grade, “Diophantus” Institute of Computer Technology and Publishing ISBN13 9789600627794
  2. Ioannis A. Vlachos, Ioannis G. Grammatikakis,&Vasilis A. Karapanagiotis, Periklis E. Peristeropoulos,&Timotheou, Giorgos B., Ioannou, Alekos; Danos, Giannis; Pittas, Angelos; Raptis, Stavros, Physics, 10th Grade, General High School, Science Track, “Diophantus” Institute of Computer Technology and Publishing, ISBN-13 9789600648270
  3. Al-Amri, M., El-Gomati, M., and Zubairy, M. (2016), Optics in Our Time, Springer, ISBN 978-3-319-31903-2
  4. Bloomfield, L. (2015), How Things Work: The Physics of Everyday Life, 4th ed., Wiley, New York, ISBN-13: 978-0470223994
  5. Douglas C. Giancoli, (2013), Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, Pearson Education Limited, ISBN-13: 978-1292020761
  6. Ehrlich, R. (1990), Turning the World Inside Out and 174 Other Simple Physics Demonstrations, Princeton University Press, Princeton, New Jersey, ISBN-13: 978-0691023953
  7. Hewitt, P. (2015), Conceptual Physics, 12th ed. Pearson, ISBN 13: 9780321909107
  8. Perelman, Y. (1972), Physics for Entertainment, Mir Publishers, Moscow, ISBN-13: 978-2917260067
  9. Perelman, Y. (1984), Fun with Maths and Physics, Mir Publishers, Moscow, ISBN-13: 978-2917260319
  10. Prutchi, D. and Prutchi, S. (2012), Exploring Quantum Physics Through Hands-On Projects, Wiley, Hoboken, N.J., ISBN-13: 978-1118140666
  11. Serway Raymond, Jewett W. John (2013), Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Kleidarithmos Publications, Athens, ISBN 9789604615094
  12. Serway, R. and Jewett, J. (2012), Principles of Physics: A Calculus-Based Text, Cengage Learning, Brooks/Cole, Boston, ISBN-13: 978-1133104261
  13. Young D. Hugh, (2010), University Physics with Modern Physics – Volume Two, Papazisis Publications, Athens, ISBN 9789600224733
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