Curated OER
Typical Conceptual Questions for Physics I - Light and Quantum
This is a stellar overview of everything light and quantum! There are 30 multiple choice questions, none of them requiring any mathematical computation. There are a few diagrams to analyze: light rays striking reflective and refractive...
Curated OER
DISCOUNT LENSES ( GELATIN WAVE GUIDES)
High schoolers study attributes associated with concept of fiber optics is done using a labmade fiber optic from clear molded gelatin. A variety of shapes can be cut and pieced together to form a conduit to transmit the laser beam by...
Curated OER
Fiber Optics
Students explore the uses of optical fibers, are exposed to the principles of refraction and total internal reflection, solve problems relating to the design of fiber optic cables, and compare them to copper transmission lines.
PBS
Pbs Learning Media: Laser Waterfall
In this video from the Encyclopedia of Physics Demonstrations, students will observe how a laser beam is trapped in a water jet because the light reflects against the surface of the water. [1:03]
Georgia State University
Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Total Internal Reflection
This physics department site provides a definition and explanation of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Includes a diagram and an equation for calculating the critical angle for light approaching a surface.
Physics Classroom
The Physics Classroom: Refraction and the Ray Model of Light: Rainbow Formation
Understand the physics behind Roy G. Biv, and how rainbows are formed by drawing upon our understanding of refraction, internal reflection, and dispersion.
BBC
Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Why Do Scientists Think That Light and Sound Are Waves?
Light travels as transverse waves and can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels as longitudinal waves and needs to travel through a solid, liquid or gas. Read about the properties of light and of sound, and learn the differences between...
Other
United States Master Swimming: Fiber Aquatics
The principle of total internal reflection is discussed in this article. The appearance of objects from inside the water of a swimming pool is compared to the path of light in a fiber optic cable.