Chapter 5 S1 Light Flashcards
:>>>>>>> refer to notes too!!!
What is light?
Light is a form of energy that enables us to see things around us when it enters our eyes
What are luminous objects? (+ examples)
Luminous objects are sources of light. We can see luminous objects because they produce light and enters our eyes directly (sun, stars, lamps, fire)
What are the 4 properties of light?
- it is a form of energy
- it is made up of seven different colours mixed uniformly to form white light
- it travels in straight line called rays; a bundle of light rays is called a beam
- it travels at a speed of 300 000 000m/s in a vacuum
What are non-luminous objects? (+ examples)
Non-luminous objects are not sources of light. We can see non-luminous objects because light from the lamp bounces/reflects off the object and enters our eyes (moon, desk, pen, book)
(FYI) What is a shadow?
A shadow is a dark area where light from a light source is blocked by an opaque object
What is reflection?
The bouncing of light off a mirror
What is the ray model of light used for?
To represent the path taken by the light rays as well as to understand how reflection takes place
What is the angle of incidence?
Angle between the incident ray and the normal
What is an incident ray?
Light ray hitting the reflecting surface
What is the normal?
Line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence
What is the angle of reflection?
Angle between the reflected ray and the normal
What is a reflected ray?
Light ray travelling away from the reflected surface
What is the 1st law of reflection?
Angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
What are the 3 points to remember for regular reflection?
- parallel light rays incident on a smooth surface are reflected in one direction only
- Normals at all points of incidence are parallel
- clear images are formed
What is reflection on a smooth surface called?
Regular reflection
What is the 2nd law of reflection?
The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal, at the point of incidence, lie on the same plane
What is the refractive index?
n= c over v
c: speed of light in the vacuum
n: speed of light in medium
What are the characteristics of an image formed by convex mirror?
- virtual
- upright
- smaller
-used in blind spot mirrors or security mirrors
What is the reflection on a rough surface called?
Irregular reflection