Exploring Light
Question - How does light bend and reflect?
The Sun is the Earth's primary source of energy. There is only one type of energy being emitted from the sun and that is LIGHT. This light is a specific type of energy called ‘visible light’ and it’s the light that humans can see. Light may come from Primary sources such as the sun or a burning candle, but most light we can see are from secondary light sources, which reflects the light of a primary light source, to our eyes. When light from primary sources hits surfaces it can be reflected, transmitted or absorbed.
We will explore this fascinating topic of light and discover the effects different surfaces and materials have on light.
Overview of lesson
Task card 3 involves an online simulation to help you explore how light is affected as it travels through different mediums. You will see how changing from air, to water and then to glass changes the bending angle of light. When light travels from one medium to another, it bends as the waves travel at different speeds through these mediums. During the online simulation, you will be able to measure the angle of reflection (index fraction) when light travels from one medium to another. Following the online simulation you will view a short video on reflection, and then proceed to do a hands on investigation to explore how light may be reflected or refracted by using different materials.
Task Card 3 is a Glogster online handout which can be accessed by clicking on the button below.
We will explore this fascinating topic of light and discover the effects different surfaces and materials have on light.
Overview of lesson
Task card 3 involves an online simulation to help you explore how light is affected as it travels through different mediums. You will see how changing from air, to water and then to glass changes the bending angle of light. When light travels from one medium to another, it bends as the waves travel at different speeds through these mediums. During the online simulation, you will be able to measure the angle of reflection (index fraction) when light travels from one medium to another. Following the online simulation you will view a short video on reflection, and then proceed to do a hands on investigation to explore how light may be reflected or refracted by using different materials.
Task Card 3 is a Glogster online handout which can be accessed by clicking on the button below.
Before you begin!
Print out all three documents below before commencing the activities in Task Card 3.
1) Bending light Simulation (to be used during the online simulation)
phet_worksheet_bending_light.pdf | |
File Size: | 194 kb |
File Type: |
2) Investigation Planner (to be used for the investigation)
bouncing_and_reflecting_of_light_investigation_planner.docx | |
File Size: | 23 kb |
File Type: | docx |
3) Questions (to be completed at the end)
questions_for_task_card_3.docx | |
File Size: | 19 kb |
File Type: | docx |