Chapter 19. Optics. Reflection, Refraction & Dispersion

Radiation displays characteristics of being both a particle and a wave. This wave-particle duality of light is investigated using Young’s Double-slip experiment and Einstein’s Photoelectric effect. Properties such as reflection, refraction, critical angle, Snell’s law and total internal reflection are discussed. Rainbows, sunsets, blue skies and fiber optics are all explained.

  • Wave-Particle Duality
  • Young’s Double-Slit Experiment & The Photoelectric Effect
  • Reflection & Refraction
  • Refractive Index
  • Snell’s Law & Brewster’s Angle
  • Total Internal Reflection
  • The Human Eye, Twinkling of Stars, Mirages, Optical Fibers, Rainbows
  • Practice Problems
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