Month: January 2020

Types of Spherical Mirrors Definition: Spherical mirrors are curved mirrors formed from a portion of a sphere. Definition: Spherical mirrors are mirrors that are shaped like a slice or portion of a big round ball (a sphere). This means they are not flat like regular mirrors but curved. This curve helps to bend light in … Read more

Magnifying Glass Basic Description: A magnifying glass uses a single convex lens to enlarge the appearance of nearby objects. Basic Description: A magnifying glass is a simple optical tool that uses one convex lens to make small objects look bigger. When you look through it, things appear larger and clearer, which helps you see details … Read more

Relationship Between Object Distance, Image Distance, and Focal Length Purpose of Formula: The thin lens formula relates object distance (u), image distance (v), and focal length (f) of a lens. Purpose of Formula: The thin lens formula is like a special math equation that helps us figure out exactly where an image will appear when … Read more

Types of Lenses Two Main Types: Lenses are classified as convex (converging) and concave (diverging) based on their shape and light-bending behavior. Two Main Types: Lenses come in two main categories based on how they bend light and their shapes. These are called convex lenses, which bend light rays inward (converging), and concave lenses, which … Read more

Definition and Conditions Definition of Total Internal Reflection: Occurs when light reflects entirely back into a denser medium instead of refracting into a less dense one. Definition of Total Internal Reflection: Total internal reflection is a special event that happens when light tries to move from a material where it travels more slowly (like water … Read more

Definition and Cause Definition of Refraction: Light refraction is the bending of light as it moves between media of different optical densities. Definition of Refraction: Refraction of light means that light rays change direction or bend when they move from one material into another that has a different optical density, like from air into water. … Read more

Definition of Electromagnetic Waves Wave Origin: Electromagnetic waves are produced by the oscillation of electric and magnetic fields. Wave Origin: Electromagnetic waves are formed when electric and magnetic fields shake or move back and forth very quickly. These movements create energy that travels in the form of waves. These waves can move through space, carrying … Read more

Definition of Wave Interference Interference Defined: Wave interference occurs when two or more waves overlap, producing a new wave pattern. Interference Defined: Wave interference is what happens when two or more waves meet at the same place and time. When they do, they combine to form a new wave pattern. The new wave can be … Read more

Definition of Wave Diffraction Diffraction Defined: Wave diffraction is when waves spread out as they pass through an opening or around an obstacle. Diffraction Defined: Wave diffraction is what happens when a wave, like sound or water, goes through a small opening or moves past the edge of an object and then spreads out. Instead … Read more

Definition of Wave Refraction Refraction Defined: Refraction is when a wave changes direction as it moves from one medium to another. Refraction Defined: Refraction is a phenomenon where a wave—like light or sound—changes its direction as it passes from one material (or medium) into another. This change in direction happens at the boundary between the … Read more