MIDTERM REVIEW Flashcards
Physical optics
is primarily concerned with the nature and properties of light itself deals with the mechanism of vision and the physiology and psychology of seeing
Geometric optics
is the branch of optics in which the laws of geometry can be used to design lenses that include spectacles (glasses), optical instruments, telescopes, microscopes, cameras, etc.
Physiologic optics
deals with the mechanism of vision and the physiology and psychology of seeing
2 main theories of light
Wave Theory and Corpuscular theory
Wavelength
Crest to crest or trough to through The wavelength of a given wave is the distance from the crest (peak) of one wave to the crest of the next (or trough to trough)
Frequency
is the number of wavelengths passing a given point in 1 second.
Velocity (formula)
V = F x Wavelength
Wavelengths of light that the eye can see
ASK MAGDA OR LOOK IT UP
Longest to shortest wavelength
RED THE LONGEST VIOLET IS THE SHORTEST
(ROY G BIV)
.
Dispersion
The Visible spectrum is actually the frangmentation of white light. When white light is separated into its spectral components, this is known as dispersion.
Medium
is any substance that light can pass through, such as gas, liquid, and glass
Light rays passing
.
perpendicularly through a medium
.
Normal
.an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the surface of a medium
Refracted/emergent ray
.the same light ray emerging from the medium
Incident ray
.a ray of light entering a medium
Angle of incidence
the angle that the incident ray makes with the normal, which is perpendicular to the surface of the medium
Angle of refraction
.the angle the ray makes within the medium by its change of direction, or the angle that the refracted ray makes with the normal
Reflection (including specular and diffuse)
Specular reflection is a clear sharp imagine Diffusion reflection the light
Law of reflection
When light strikes a reflective surface, it will be reflected at an angle equal to the angle of the incoming light. In other words, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
How is light refracted?
Light rays are refracted as they pass through a medium at an oblique angle. This is because the oblique rays that are closest to the surface of the new medium will enter the medium first and thus be slowed down first
Index of refraction
It tells us the amount by which light slows down in a given medium
What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
186,262



















