In this physics classroom, students learn how and why light of certain frequencies can be selectively absorbed, reflected or transmitted.

Visible light waves are the only electromagnetic waves we can see. We see these waves as the colors of the rainbow. Each color has a different wavelength. Red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all...

To understand how bounded waves behave and how reflection of waves affects the wave components.

A study guide for concepts related to wave optics.

With this article, students can learn about and understand the concept of wave motion.

A detailed discussion of the nature of light, how it can travel through a vacuum, and how the speed of light is affected when light travels through a medium.

Students examine the findings of Thomas Young's light experiment, which showed that an interference pattern results when light from two sources meets up while traveling through the same medium.

Students learn how the eye responds to visible light, and how that function ultimately allows us to see.

Through illustrated practice problems and video clips, students learn about polarization of light.

Here is an introduction to the concept of waves and wavelike motion people experience anywhere and everywhere.

This illustrated physics tutorial explains the electromagnetic and visible spectra of light using illustrated examples and interactive practice problems.

This resource provides a concise overview of the speed of light and the Ole Roemer, the first man to measure it.

The dualistic nature of light is discussed. The photoelectric effect and the Davisson-Germer experiment are contrasted as empirical evidence supporting each of the two views - particle and wave - of the nature of light. The photoelectric...

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...

In this electronics science fair project, students will investigate how the output of an LED flashlight changes as its temperature increases.

Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses light in relation to particles and waves. The difference between particles and waves is addressed along with...

Resource focuses on the relationship between the frequency, wavelength and speed of light. Has a link to an interactive activity relating frequency, wavelength, and energy.

A very simple device to convert light into sound can be made by wiring a solar cell directly to headphones (or an earpiece). The solar cell converts light into electricity and the headphones convert electricity into sound. The limitation...

Young scholars will determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light. This lesson includes background information, guiding questions, directions, and a chart to record data.

Learn about the diffraction of light using the wave model and Huygen's principle.

This online exploration provides an opportunity to identify the different properties of waves and the relationship that exists between energy, wavelength, and frequency. Correlate images from the Hubble Telescope to the wavelength,...

Students are introduced to the electromagnetic spectrum through this group research activity. Each group investigates a different wavelength range within the em spectrum and reports back to class. Discussion ideas also included.

Students will focus on the interaction of sunlight with atmospheric particles to produce blue skies and red sunsets.

Through illustrated example problems, and some interactive practice, students learn about color addition and color perception.