Bending Light

Today we will continue learning about waves. So far we've talked about mechanical waves (sound waves or any wave that travels through a medium). Now we'll investigate part of the electromagnetic wave spectrum. Although electromagnetic waves include a huge range of frequencies, there is only a small portion that we can actually see. We call this the visible light spectrum.

Assignment:

1. Check in at www.trainforlifenow.com to earn yourself a chance to win an iPad and help WMHS earn a chance at $15,000 to be used in classrooms.
2. LOG INTO GAGGLE. If you haven't registered yet the direction can be found here. You will submit today's classwork (Explore Learning gizmo on light) to me electronically through your Gaggle email account. There is NO printed assignment today. Instead, you will complete it using MS Word. You CAN save your work in the online locker under your Gaggle account.
3. Go to this site and read about light and the visible spectrum. Read through to the page titled "Raindrops: Nature's Prism"
4. Next, complete the Explore Learning Gizmo activity called "Refraction".
5. If you are unable to finish this today you will complete this at home and submit your completed Word doc via Gaggle.

Wave Interference

Go to this site (Phet site at University of Colorado) and run the wave interference sim to complet your lab. The key terms are:

reflection
refraction
diffraction

Waves Introduction

We'll begin our study of waves today. The first place to start is by defining what a wave is and how one is generated.

Your Assignment:

Part I

To begin today visit www.physicsclassroom.com and the section on waves by clicking here.

Browse Lesson 0 on Vibration. You will find everything you need in sections a and b
The discussion here begins with Bobbleheads. Hopefully you know what these are but in case you're not sure, check ou the picture below.

Use your own paper and answer the following questions:

1. What is vibration?
2. What makes an object vibrate?

Continue to the section on vibration and write down what the following terms mean:

1. Period
2. Frequency
3. Amplitude

Now, answer the "Check Your Understanding" questions at the bottom of the section on vibration.

Part II

Visit the Phet site at the University of Colorado by clicking on this link: Wave On A String. Play with the controls and explore how it works.
You will end the class period by completing a short assignment using this interactive. I have the inquiry handout to go along with this activity.