Tennessee State Standards
9 to 12
Subject = Physics
Subject = Physics
Light is an amazing phenomenon that defies an easy description. Sometimes we describe light as a ray when we consider the straight path in which it travels; straight, that is, until it encounters an obstacle or a barrier between two different media. Sometimes we call light a wave when we study its frequency, amplitude, and interference patterns. Other times we call light a particle when we study its interaction with the electrons in an atom. When we say that light is a wave that requires no medium, or a particle that has no mass, we are using terms that defy logic. Light is so interesting it requires its own special area of physics, which we call optics.Conceptual StrandUnderstanding optics is accomplished by investigating the behavior and laws of light.Guiding QuestionHow do the properties and behavior of light relate to the basic principles of optics?
Course Level Expectation
Describe the characteristics of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Investigate the interaction of light waves.
Explore the optics of lenses.
Analyze the optics of mirrors.
Investigate the phenomenon of color.
Check For Understanding
Explore properties of electromagnetic radiation.
Examine properties of light waves.
Investigate the polarization of light.
Investigate the optical properties of plane and curved mirrors Focal length:1/f =1/do+1/di; Images in mirrors and lens, hi/ho = di/do.
Investigate the optical properties of plane and curved mirrors.
Draw, explain, and solve problems for the optics of mirrors and lenses.
Investigate optical phenomena (i.e., mirage, optical illusions, and dichromatic lens effect).
Solve problems related to Snells law Index of refraction: n = (sin ?r / sin ?i); Snells law: ni sin ?i = nr sin ?r.
Differentiate among transmission, reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference of light waves.
Explore the formation of color (both additive and subtractive properties) [Additive Color Theory: W= B+G+R: Y= G+R: =B+G: M = R+B; Subtractive Color Theory:…
State Performance Indicator
Distinguish among the various categories of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Explain polarization of light.
Solve problems related to Snells law.
Given a drawing of a laboratory optics bench with a singular lens; choose the measurements that will enable the calculation of focal length.
Identify the properties of light related to reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference of light waves.
Using light ray diagrams, identify the path of light using a convex lens, a concave lens, a plane mirror, a concave mirror and a convex mirror.