In this physics classroom, students learn how and why light of certain frequencies can be selectively absorbed, reflected or transmitted.

Instructional module focusing on light. Discussion includes historical development of particle versus wave theories and the scientific studies leading to the understanding of light waves today. Site also includes an interactive practice...

A study guide for concepts related to wave optics.

Students examine the findings of Thomas Young's light experiment, which showed that an interference pattern results when light from two sources meets up while traveling through the same medium.

Students learn how the eye responds to visible light, and how that function ultimately allows us to see.

Students investigate an example of interference that provides further evidence in support of the wavelike behavior of light.

This illustrated physics tutorial explains the electromagnetic and visible spectra of light using illustrated examples and interactive practice problems.

Explains single slit diffraction and models how to calculate different characteristics of the light waves.

To understand how bounded waves behave and how reflection of waves affects the wave components.

Here is an introduction to the concept of waves and wavelike motion people experience anywhere and everywhere.

This resource provides a concise overview of the speed of light and the Ole Roemer, the first man to measure it.

The dualistic nature of light is discussed. The photoelectric effect and the Davisson-Germer experiment are contrasted as empirical evidence supporting each of the two views - particle and wave - of the nature of light. The photoelectric...

Part of an anecdotal history of optics and the study of light. Extremely thorough treatment of how scientists came to believe in the wave nature of light. Includes a short biographical sketch and discusses the work of Thomas Young...

Through illustrated example problems, and some interactive practice, students learn about color addition and color perception.

In this electronics science fair project, students will investigate how the output of an LED flashlight changes as its temperature increases.

Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses light in relation to particles and waves. The difference between particles and waves is addressed along with...

A very simple device to convert light into sound can be made by wiring a solar cell directly to headphones (or an earpiece). The solar cell converts light into electricity and the headphones convert electricity into sound. The limitation...

Students will determine the effect of placing objects made with different materials in the path of a beam of light. This instructional activity includes background information, guiding questions, directions, and a chart to record data.

Acting as part of an overview on quantum theory, this section of the site answers the question, what is light? In answering the question, specific discussion is directed toward light waves and theories of light.

Lesson plan should be used for intermediate students. Students work in pairs or groups to create a shoe box that will bend light.

This online exploration provides an opportunity to identify the different properties of waves and the relationship that exists between energy, wavelength, and frequency. Correlate images from the Hubble Telescope to the wavelength,...

With this article, students can learn about and understand the concept of wave motion.

Described is a simple low cost home-made device that converts the radio wave energy from a mobile phone signal into electricity to light an LED. No battery or complex circuitry is required. The device can form the basis of a range of...

Acting as a subtopic of the General Chemistry Virtual Textbook's section on Atoms and the Periodic Table, this site discusses light, waves, and particles. Part of the discussion involves a definition and working information on the...