The creation of images by the human eye, telescopes, binoculars and cameras are all investigated. Plane and curved mirrors, lenses and spherical refracting media are studied using ray diagrams, the mirror equation and the Lens’ maker equation.
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.
Electromagnetism, or radiation, is the interaction between self-propagating electric and magnetic fields. This concept is explained, together with calculation of root mean square values, the Poynting vector and radiation pressure. Maxwell’s Rainbow, also known as the Electromagnetic spectrum is discussed for all forms of known radiation.
In this chapter we introduce the Biot-Savart method for calculating the magnetic field due to current-carrying wires. Faraday’s law of electromagnetic induction is explained, together with examples of its application to everyday devices such as transformers and the electric motor. Ampere’s law and Maxwell’s equations are also introduced to explain the behavior and link between electricity and magnetism.
The phenomenon of magnetism is investigated through an analysis of electronic spin properties. The origin of Earth’s magnetism is explained, together with its influence on the creation of the Aurora Borealis or “Northern Lights.” Magnetic force and helical motion properties are also derived.
Gauss’ law is introduced for calculating the electric field due to charge distributions with high levels of spatial symmetry. The topics of electric flux, electric potential and electric potential energy are explained.
Electric fields are a disturbance of space due to the presence of electric charge. The net electric field due to a system of point charges is calculated, then extended to systems of continuous charge distributions.
The application of an electric current through a conducting loop of wire is shown to obey the basic conservation laws of charge and energy. Arrangements of resistors in series and parallel are compared, and the application of Kirchoff’s loop and junction rules are developed.
Electric currents are described from the foundation of atomic structure, including the ideas of electronic energy levels and band structure. The measurement and usefulness of current density is derived and analyzed.
Electrical components such as batteries, capacitors and resistors are investigated. The parameters of resistivity, resistance and conductance are shown to be related to each other and used in the application of Ohm’s law.