Physical optics deals with the properties of light itself and the behaviour of electromagnetic radiation as it interacts with material. whereas Geometric optics is involved in the image producing properties of electromagnetic radiation.
This is discussed in section 3.4, starting with Reflection.
This is discussed in section 3.4, starting with Reflection.
Physical optics
We now turn our attention to the concept of optics which is about the properties and behaviours of electromagnetic radiation, and in particular visible light.
The Nature of Light - Newton vs Huijgens
In the 17th Century the nature of light was hotly debated. The English scientist Isaac Newton proposed a particle model, also referred to as the corpuscular model. Using this model he was able to explain certain light behaviours, though not all
The Dutch inventor, and scientist, Christiaan Huygens had an alternative model. Using geometrey , he suggested that light was a form of a longitudinal wave model.
Like Newton, he was able to use this model to explain a variety of phenomena, though not all.
This video looks at these models and the way each model is used to explain key phenomena.
And we look at who won the debate, the answer to to which may surprise you.
The Dutch inventor, and scientist, Christiaan Huygens had an alternative model. Using geometrey , he suggested that light was a form of a longitudinal wave model.
Like Newton, he was able to use this model to explain a variety of phenomena, though not all.
This video looks at these models and the way each model is used to explain key phenomena.
And we look at who won the debate, the answer to to which may surprise you.
Check your understanding
Interactive
Huygens principle suggests that any wavefront is comprised of an infinite number of point which produce wavelets. It is these wavelets in turn produce the next wavefront.
This interactive allow you to see how this model is able to explain reflection and refraction
Huygens principle suggests that any wavefront is comprised of an infinite number of point which produce wavelets. It is these wavelets in turn produce the next wavefront.
This interactive allow you to see how this model is able to explain reflection and refraction
