We explore electromagnetic wave properties and the electromagnetic spectrum. The wave nature and particle nature of light are compared. We also examine how the wave velocity equation is applied to light.
In this segment, we dive into the concept of polarization. We investigate polarization qualitatively by observing how light behaves as it travels through different types of filters and through Malus' law, mathematically.
Light diffraction and interference are investigated as we observe light going through single and double slits. We then apply these ideas as we learn about holograms
The concept of color is explored as we learn about subtractive and additive color mixing. We examine what types of colors form when we mix different wavelengths of light.
Spectral composition is the focus of this segment. We learn about emission and absorption spectra, how they are created, and how scientists use these concepts in the real world to make important discoveries.
The law of reflection is introduced as we learn about the difference between specular and diffuse reflection and discover the difference between real and virtual images.
The properties of spherical mirrors are discussed as we learn such terms as center of curvature, focal point, and principal axis. The properties of images formed by concave and convex mirrors are examined through ray diagrams.
Refraction is explained by looking into a pool and seeing Snell's law in action. We also explore the concepts of total internal reflection and formation of the critical angle.
The properties of spherical lenses are discussed as we learn terms such as center of curvature, focal point, and principal axis. The properties of images formed by concave and convex lenses are also examined through ray diagrams.
We travel to a nuclear power plant to explain what happens inside an atom that undergoes fission and we show you how that process is harnessed to create electricity.
We explore how and why fusion occurs between atoms, what products result from this type of reaction, and how stars use this process to create energy and the atoms of which we are made.
We explain Coulomb's law both qualitatively as well as mathematically. We examine this law even further by doing an example problem where we solve for the electric force and field strengths. The properties of an electric field are also discussed.
We differentiate between the concepts of electric potential energy and electric potential by exploring electric potential energy qualitatively, looking at a charge between two parallel plates, and solving for electric potential in an example problem.