Internet Search -  Light and Optics

20 Points

Name:_______________________________            Date:____________        Period:_________

Visit each site and follow instructions on this sheet. Use additional paper as needed.

 The numbers on the sheet correspond to the numbers of the web sites on the search page.

1.  Write your definition of the following often-misunderstood words:

Lens:

Micro-:

Tele-:

2.    Define the following words

Transmission

Absorption

Reflection

Law of Reflectance

Scattering

3.    Run the java applet on mixing colors:  First, mix light, then mix pigments.  Write down the results.  

4.     What does light do when it enters a denser medium?

       Draw a picture/diagram of the example of refraction.

5.    Move the flashlight around.  Describe what happens.

6.    How does fiber optic cable work?

       What is the principle behind fiber optic cable?

       Draw a picture of how light travels down the cable.

7.    Take a look at how shadows work.  How do the shadows change in size as the light is moved closer to the people?

8.    Visit the "Discovering Light" Thinkquest site.  A separate sheet of paper will be needed.  Start in Physics.

        Click on "What is Light".  What is light?

        What is the speed of light?

        Click on "Making Light".  What is an incandescent source, and what is an example of one?

        What is a luminescent source, and what is an example of one?

        Click on Refraction.  What is refraction?

        Click on Diffraction.  Write the definition and give an example.

        Click on the Technology tab.  Read about neon lights.

        Click on the Nature tab.  Read about the sun.

        Click on Rainbows.  What are rainbows caused by?

        Click on "Eyes and Vision".  Read about eye conditions.

        Click on "Interact".  Play with the reflection applet.

9.    Take the color blindness test.  Write the six numbers you see below:  

10.  Read about lasers.  What is monochromatic light?

       Compare the different types of lights by changing the drop down menu on the applet. 

       Which type of light looks the closest to the light coming from a laser?

       With the source set to laser, move the color bar to change the color of the light. 

       Which color has the longest wavelength?                               Which color has the shortest wavelength?

11.    Don't get a headache looking at the optical illusions!