Waves and Photons

Illuminate your physics class with this examination of a photovoltaic cell. Teach the structure and operation of the device using a diagram. Then make a human-powered, larger-than-life sized model of a PV cell. Learners become electrons...

Pairs of physical science pupils play with a beach ball that portrays a particle of light. One partner is the source of photons, and the other is the atmosphere as light strikes it. Three things can happen: the photon (beach ball) is...

A simple, single page assignment asks wave masters to record the wavelength of the x-rays coming from a powder diffractometer and perform calculations with it. Equations, energy level diagrams, and a periodic table are all included....

A few definitions related to waves open this slide show. Note that the information only covers light waves even though the title mentions sound. Correct the title before using this resource. Another mention is a set of photos of a class...

How does a single photon show a phase shift? Using the interference pattern created by light traveling through a double slit, the resource asks whether the interference pattern would still show if only one photon of light is sent at a...

Electrons, neutrons, and photons display behavior explained by wave-particle duality. The video explains how to picture the duality of behaviors in these parts of atoms. The drawings and comparisons to the behavior of water focus on the...

Can scientists take a picture of the universe before the planets formed? Using telescopes and new technology, scientists take more detailed photos every few years. Cosmic inflation challenges our understanding of the early universe.

Help young physicists make a quantum leap in their understanding of matter with this short instructional video. Tracing the early work of Max Planck, Albert Einstein, and others, this resource explains the science behind the amazing fact...

Quantum mechanics is one of the few times you can change the outcome simply by measuring it. Scholars use quantum detectors to investigate changes in waves and the patterns they produce. Simulations offer chances to experiment with high...

Students examine the many types of electromagnetic waves, the concept of an EM wave, how James Clerk Maxwell proposed a slight modification of the equations of electricity, Heinrich Hertz and his radio-frequency, wavelengths, and light...