Electromagnetic Spectrum and Light

Refraction

The bending of a light wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another

Seeing in Color

The color of an object is reflected and the other colors of the visible light spectrum are absorbed. A green flower pot reflects green light while absorbing all other colors.

Sources

an object that produces light.

Converging light

light rays coming together to form a focal point. For example when light passes through a convex lens.

Diverging light

light rays that are moving away from each other. For example when light passes through a concave lens.

Translucent

some light pass through, but can't see through clearly (not transparent)

Convex lens

A lens that is thicker in the middle than at the edges. When light travels through a convex lens the light converges to a focal point.

Concave lens

A lens that is thinner in the center than at the edges.

Medium

A substance that wave passes through. Examples: solids, liquids, gases

Electromagnetic Spectrum

All of the different types of electromagnetic radiation organized according to wavelength and frequency. The order from longest wavelength lowest energy level to shortest wavelength highest energy is: Radio, Microwave, Infrared light, Visible light, Ultraviolet light, X-rays, and Gamma rays.

Transparent

Allowing light to pass through so that objects on the other side can be seen

Receivers

An object that takes in light. Examples include: eyes, camera

Law of Reflection

Law that states that when light waves strike a smooth reflective medium, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Opaque

Not allowing the passage of light, not transparent; hard to understand (I am going to place something ______ in the window so that no one will be able to see into this room. )

Diffusion

The reflection of light that happens when light strikes an uneven surface.

Light spectrum

The section of light that we are able to see with our eyes. The colors from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength are Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet.

Focal Point

a point of convergence of light.

Reflect

when light waves "bounce" back off of a surface like looking in a mirror.