SME
Grade 11 Science
Light: reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses and interference
The main lesson, then each kind of problem it solves.
Light: reflection, refraction, mirrors, lenses and interference
Main lesson
A diverging lens
Use this for “An object is 24 cm from a diverging lens with f = −12 cm. Where is the image, and how big?”
A concave mirror
Use this for “A candle is 45 cm from a concave mirror with f = 15 cm. Where does its image form, and how big is it?”
A convex mirror
Use this for “A car is 30 cm from a convex mirror with f = −20 cm. Where is its image, and how big?”
Refraction: Snell’s law
Use this for “Light goes from air into water (n = 1.33) at 40° from the normal. At what angle does it travel in the water, and how fast?”
The critical angle
Use this for “What is the critical angle from glass (n = 1.50) into air? Does light hitting the surface at 50° get out?”
Double-slit interference
Use this for “Laser light (633 nm) passes two slits 0.25 mm apart onto a screen 2 m away. How far apart are the bright fringes?”
Reflection, refraction, diffraction or interference?
Use this for “Light spreads past a narrow slit and makes bands. Which wave behavior is it?”