The links on the table below lead to portable document files that can be viewed and printed on any computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The documents and all material contained therein are © Dean Baird. All rights reserved. They may be used by teachers and students for classroom instruction. Beyond that, no part of these documents may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.
| GUIDES | |
| 1 | Waves
Optics Examples Definitions of quantities, explanations of equations, and worked out example problems. |
| 2 | Scattering A descriptioon of scattering and a thorough explanation of why the sky is blue. |
| 3 | Polarization How unpolarized light can become polarized. Applications of polarization are discussed. |
| 4 | Diffraction How waves can bend around barriers. |
| JOBS | |
| 1 |
Geometry Review - Answers The description of interference patterns involves right triangles and the use of some trigonometry. Here's a bit of directed review. |
| 2 |
Line Density Math - Answers How far apart are the lines of a diffraction grating if the line density is given as 440 lines per millimeter? Not a trivial or intuitive problem. This sheet walks students through the process. |
| 3 |
Interference in 1D Springboard - Answers - Presentation (Zipped QuickTime) |
| 4 |
Interference in 2D Springboard - Answers - Presentation (Zipped QuickTime) |
|
5
|
Interference Pattern Math
Springboard at TPT Class discussion to develop the interference equation. |
| 6 |
Diffraction Tank Lab Springboard |
| 7 |
Single Slit Diffraction Lab Springboard Investigation of single slit diffraction patterns using PASCO's Basic Optics apparatus. |
| 8 |
Iridescence Springboard - Presentation
(Zipped QuickTime) Classroom discussion of the coloration of oil splotches, soap bubbles, sea shells, and other phenomena. |
| 9 |
Why the Sky is Blue
[Springboard] at TPT Classroom discussion, demonstration, and activity for teaching why the sky is blue. |
| LABS | |
| The Fringe of
Optics [PhET Lab] at TPT |
|
| 1 | How Groovy is
Your CD? Determine the groove spacing on a compact disc using a laser and a meterstick. Includes other quantitative analysis activities. |
| DEMOS | |
| 1 | Vertical Bulbs |
| 2 |
Polarize Demonstration of mechanical polarization using a phone cord and an arrangement of support rods. |
| OTHER | |
| 1 2 |
Wave Optics Begins
With an M Part of the "Physics Begins with an M" series. Make a transperency and put it on the overhead on the first day of the unit to enhance curiousity in the material of the unit. Wave Optics Begins With an M Keynote - Presentation (QuickTime) A nifty Keynote presentation of the M's. (Keynote is Apple's presentation software; PowerPoint is Microsoft's presentation software.) Trust me, neither Keynote nor PowerPoint are The Great Saviors of education. I recommend using them sparingly if at all. Better to teach! |
| Conceptual
Physics Alive! Light Waves at TPT |
|
| 3 | Mechanical
Universe:
High School Adaptaption - The Wave Nature of Light
at TPT This episode covers the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and scattering. Alternate forms accommodate students seated side-by-side. |
| 4 |
Mechanical
Universe (College) - Optics at TPT This episode covers the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection, refraction, interference, diffraction, and scattering. |
| YouTube
Physics - Polarized Light (ft. Physics Girl) at
TPT |
|
| YouTube
Physics: Magnificent Blue (Structural color) at
TPT |
|
| 5 | NEW: PracTest
Complete OLD: Practice Test Questions - Answers Sample test questions covering magnetism and induction. |
| OLD | |
| Interference Equation - Answers | |
Click here for a legend and explanation of cryptic terms and abbreviations.
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