Narrating Maxwell’s reasoning in Linking

EM to Light, Story behind Hertz’s

Experiments, and Relating the Properties
of EM Wave and the Properties of Vacuum
and Optical Medium

MODULE 20
LESSON OBJECTIVES
 narrate Maxwell’s reasoning in linking EM
to light,
 narrate story behind Hertz’s experiments,
 relate the properties of EM wave and the
properties of vacuum and optical medium.
Light, microwave, x-ray, TV, and cell
phone transmission are all kinds of
electromagnetic waves.
Electromagnetic waves are a group of energy
waves that are mostly invisible and can travel
through empty space.
These energies bombard our bodies all day long,
but we are only aware of a very small portion of
them: visible light (colors), infrared light (heat), and
ultraviolet (sunburn).
Electromagnetic energy is created by
vibrations that produce waves.

Each electromagnetic wave emits a different level

of energy. These energies travel silently at the
speed of light and produce a “signature” wave –
with a unique range of length, energy, and
frequency – that scientists can identify and
measure.
Electromagnetic Spectrum—name for the range
of electromagnetic waves when placed in order of
increasing frequency
RADIO WAVES
 Have the longest wavelengths and
lowest frequencies of all the
electromagnetic waves.
 A radio picks up radio waves through an
antenna and converts it to sound waves.
 Each radio station in an area broadcasts at a
different frequency.
 # on radio dial tells frequency.
 MRI
(MAGNETIC RESONACE IMAGING)
Uses Short wave radio waves with a
magnet to create an image.
MICROWAVES
 Have the shortest
wavelengths and the
highest frequency of
the radio waves.
INFRARED RAYS
 Infrared= below red
 Shorter wavelength and higher frequency
than microwaves.
 You can feel the longest ones as
warmth on your skin
Warm objects give off more heat energy
than cool objects.
RADAR
RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging)
 Used to find the speed of an object by sending out
radio waves and measuring the time it takes them
to return.
VISIBLE LIGHT
 Shorter wavelength and higher
frequency than infrared rays.
 Electromagnetic waves we can
see.
 Longest wavelength= red light
 Shortest wavelength= violet
(purple) light
We can measure the energy of an
electromagnetic wave by measuring its
frequency.

Frequency refers to the number of waves a

vibration creates during a period of time. In
general, the higher the frequency, or number of
waves, the greater the energy of the radiation.
When we use the term “light”, we are
referring to a group of electromagnetic
waves called visible light.
Each individual wavelength within the spectrum
of visible light wavelength represents a particular
color. When light of that particular wavelength
strikes our eye, we perceive that specific color
sensation.
Another popular group of waves from
the electromagnetic spectrum involves
infrared.
Infrared radiation is a type of electromagnetic
radiation that involves heat, or thermal radiation.
All objects emit (give out) and absorb (take in)
thermal radiation.
What do these special clothes do?
These protective clothes contain some amount of
a dense element, lead, in them. The high density
of this element allows x-rays to be absorbed by
atoms in lead, decreasing the energy of the x-rays.
Lead, in turn, shields your body from unnecessary
radiation by absorbing x-rays.
Only the upper
body was
imaged
because x-rays
hitting the
lower torso
were absorbed
by the lead
apron.
Another example of absorption of
electromagnetic waves in our daily lives
involve the use of a microwave.

Microwaves are widely used to quickly heat up

food. Microwaves are also referred to as range of
waves in the electromagnetic spectrum with a
specific wavelength and frequency.
How do microwaves heat up food?

Microwaves utilize the fact that food contains water

molecules. When a microwave is turned on, the
energy from microwaves is absorbed by water
molecules in food, making them vibrate. These
vibrations give off heat, which warms up your food.

Water molecules
absorb the
microwaves, giving off
heat as the molecules
vibrate.
Electromagnetic waves can also
change the temperature of an object.
Earlier, we saw an example of how microwaves can
heat up food. Other electromagnetic waves can be
used to change temperature of an object. As
mentioned before, infrared radiation is a type of
electromagnetic radiation that involves heat. When
infrared waves come in contact with an object, the
waves transfer heat to that object.

Temperature
inside the house
increased due to
heating from the
sun.
PARTS OF A WAVE
 Wave: The repeating and periodic disturbance
that travels through a medium (e.g. water)
from one location to another location.
 Wave Crest: The highest part of a wave.
 Wave Trough: The lowest part of a wave.
 Wave Height: The vertical distance between
the wave trough and the wave crest.
 Wave Length: The distance between two
consecutive wave crests or between two
consecutive wave troughs
 Wave Frequency: The number of waves passing a
fixed point in a specified period of time.
 Wave Period: The time it takes for two successive
crests (one wavelength) to pass a specified point. The
wave period is often referenced in seconds, e.g. one
wave every 6 seconds.
 OTHER TERM
 Ripples: The ruffling of the water’s surface due to
pressure variations of the wind on the water. This
creates stress on the water and results in tiny short
wavelength waves called ripples. Ripples are often
called capillary waves.
MECHANICAL WAVE
 Waves that need material medium through
which they can travel as they transfer
energy.
 A mechanical wave is a wave that is an
oscillation of matter or particles, and
therefore transfers energy through a
medium.
MECHANICAL WAVE
 While waves can move over long
distances, the movement of the medium of
transmission— the material—is limited.
 Therefore, oscillating material does not
move far from its initial equilibrium
position. Mechanical waves transport
energy. This energy propagates in the
same direction as the wave.
 TYPES OF MECHANICAL
WAVES
 There are three types of mechanical
waves:
 transverse waves,
 longitudinal waves, and
 surface waves.
TRANSVERSE WAVE
 A transverse wave is a moving wave that
consists of oscillations occurring perpendicular
(or right angled) to the direction of energy
transfer. In the case of waves in a string, the
particles oscillate up and down while the waves
move horizontally.
 Transverse waves cause the medium to vibrate
at a right angle to the direction of the wave or
energy being carried by the medium.
TRANSVERSE WAVE
 Transverse waves have two parts—the crest and the
trough. The crest is the highest point of the wave and the
trough is the lowest. The distance between a crest and a
trough is half of wavelength. The wavelength is the
distance from crest to crest or from trough to trough.
 A ripple in a pond and a wave on a string are easily
visualized as transverse waves. Light also has properties
of a transverse wave, although it is an electromagnetic
wave.
Summary
 Electromagnetic Waves – Group of energy waves that are mostly invisible
and can travel through empty space.
 Frequency – Number of waves a vibration creates during a period of time.
 Visible Light – Range of electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by
the human eye.
 Infrared – Type of electromagnetic radiation that involves heat.
 Absorption – The loss of light as it passes through a material.
 Reflection – The return of light by a material.
 Transmission – The passage of light through a material.
 Refraction – The bending of light as they pass between mediums.
 Translucent – Allow only a part of the light through.
 Opaque – Reflect or absorb all light.
 Thermal Conductors – Materials that conduct heat readily.
 Thermal Insulators – Materials that limit heat transfer.
 Electrical Conductors – Materials that allow flow of electrical current.
 Electrical Insulators – Materials that limit the flow of electrical current.
MODULE 21

Applying the Law of

Reflection and Explaining
the Conditions for Total
Internal Reflection
LESSON OBJECTIVES
 apply the Law of Reflection; and
 explain the conditions for total
internal reflection.
When light interacts with objects, it is either absorbed,
reflected, transmitted, or refracted.
Reflection – The return of light by a material.

Refraction – The bending of light as they pass between mediums.

Absorption – The loss of light as it passes through a

material.

Transmission – The passage of light through a

material.
Let’s look at an example of
absorption…
When you go to the dentist, one of the first things
they do is obtain an x-ray of you. Unnecessary
exposure of x-ray radiation can be harmful, so
doctors try to minimize the area that those
electromagnetic waves interact with your body by
making you wear special protective clothing.
Let’s look at an example of
reflection…
Reflection occurs when light is returned by an
object. Although many objects reflect light,
common examples include mirrors and smooth
water surfaces.
How does an object reflect light in a
mirror?
Reflection involves two rays, an incoming (incident)
ray and an outgoing (reflected) ray.
When an incoming ray strikes a mirror, the ray
changes direction. This ray is now reflected off the
mirror.

The angle of incident rays and the

angle of reflected rays are equal in
all reflected light of smooth objects.
Reflection can also involve scattering
of light…
When light strikes an object that has a rough
surface, the light scatters everywhere instead of
bouncing off at equal angles.
Let’s look at an example of
transmission…
Transmission of light is the passing of light through
an object. Objects have different levels of
transmission. Opaque objects reflect or absorb all
light, so you won’t be able to see behind opaque
objects. Translucent objects allow only a part of
the light through, letting you slightly see behind the
object. Transparent objects pass all light through.
Why are shadows formed?
Shadows are formed when light is blocked by an
object.

Shadows are produced when light hits an opaque

object which prevents the light beams from
passing through. The light beams are absorbed by
the object and cast a shadow.
Let’s look at an example of
refraction…
Refraction involves bending of light as it passes
from one substance to another. A common example
of refraction can be observed when you go fishing.
Due to refraction, you perceive things that aren’t
located in the proper location.
Why does refraction happen?
The bending of light is due to a change in its speed.
When light passes from a less dense substance
(such as air) to a more dense substance (such as
water), it slows down and bends into the more
dense material. On the other hand, when light
passes from water to air, it speeds up and bends
outwards.
REFRACTION
 When light
enters a new
medium it bends
(refracts). Each
wavelength bends
a different
amount allowing
white light to
separate into it’s
various colors
ROYGBIV.
Light interaction with objects can
involve combinations of absorption,
reflection, transmission, and refraction.
A common example that has both absorption and
reflection involves clothes. If you are wearing blue
jeans, you see the color blue because the jeans
absorb all other colors but reflect blue.
SEVERAL FACTORS
 The amount of reflected light depends on
three factors:
 (1) the kind of medium the object is made
of,
 (2) the smoothness of the surface of the
medium, and
 (3) the angle at which the light strikes the
surface
KEY CONCEPTS
 The portion of the radiant energy which may be
reflected, transmitted, or absorbed by the medium upon
which the light is incident will determine the degree of
dimness or brightness of the object.
 The ratio of the amount of light reflected by the surface
to the amount of light falling on it is called the reflectance
of the surface and is usually expressed as a percentage.
 Polished metals will have a higher percentage of
reflectance than wood; smooth glass will reflect more
light than rough glass.
TYPES OF REFLECTION
 Specular or Regular Reflection
 If the surface is smooth and shiny, like
glass, water or polished metal, the light will
reflect at the same angle as it hits the
surface. The reflected light rays travel in
the same direction. The reflection is called
specular reflection,
TYPES OF REFLECTION
 Diffuse Reflection
 When light hits an object and reflects in
lots of different directions, this happens
when the surface is rough. For a rough
surface, reflected light rays scatter in all
directions. The reflection is called diffuse
reflection
TYPES OF REFLECTION
Law of Reflection
The law of reflection states that the incident ray, the
reflected ray, and the normal to the surface of the mirror all
lie in the same plane.
Total Internal Reflection
 In physics, it is a complete reflection of a ray of
light within a medium such as water or glass
from the surrounding surfaces back into the
medium. The phenomenon occurs if the angle of
incidence is greater than a certain limiting angle,
called the critical angle.
 In order for total internal reflection to take place:
 1. The rays of light must travel from a dense
medium to a less dense medium.
 2. The angle of incidence must be greater than
the critical angle.
 When light travels from one medium to another it changes speed
and is refracted. If the light rays are travelling for a less dense
material to a dense medium, they are refracted towards the normal
and if they are travelling from a dense to less dense medium they
are refracted away from the normal. For total internal reflection to
occur the light must travel from a dense medium to a less dense
medium (e.g. glass to air or water to air). As the angle of incidence
increases so does the angle of refraction. When the angle of
incidence reaches a value known as the critical angle the refracted
rays travel along the surface of the medium or in other words are
refracted to an angle of 90°. The critical angle for the angle of
incidence in glass is 42°.
 When the angle of incidence of the light ray is greater
than the critical angle then no refraction takes place.
Instead, all the light is reflected back into the denser
material in this case the glass. This is called total internal
reflection.