Chapter 22 – The Nature of Light Section 3 – Interactions of Light Waves pp. 644-651

TERMS TO LEARN Law of reflection – the law that states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Absorption –the transfer of energy carried by light waves to particles of matter

TERMS TO LEARN Interference – a wave interaction that occurs when two or more waves overlap

TYPES OF REFLECTION Regular reflection Diffuse reflection This occurs when light beams are reflected at the same angle. When your eye detects the reflected beams, you can see a reflection on the surface. This occurs when light beams reflect at many different angles. You cannot see a reflection because not all the reflected light is directed toward your eyes.

ABSORPTION Absorption (Flashlight demo.) The transfer of energy carried by light waves to particles of matter. Some light from the flashlight is absorbed, causing the light to become dim. The farther the light travels from the flashlight, the more it is absorbed by the air.

SCATTERING OF LIGHT The release of light energy by particles of matter that have absorbed energy.

REFRACTION Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another. Refraction causes optical illusions. White light is separated into its component colors because of refraction.

DIFFRACTION The bending of waves around barriers or through openings

INTERFERENCE When light is shined through thin slits, alternating bright and dark bands are formed. Bright bands are seen because of constructive interference; dark bands are seen because of destructive interference Bubbles also show interference.