Electromagnetic spectrum:
A diagram that illustrates all the varieties of electromagnetic waves based on their relative frequency/wavelengths. Our eyes observe only a small amount of this spectrum.
Speed of light:
In a vacuum 3x108 m/s. It was first calculated by Olaus Roemer. Albert Michelson also performed an experiment to refine the value.
Principle of superposition:
When two or more waves occupy the same region of space simultaneously, the resulting wave disturbance is the sum of separate waves.
Constructive interference:
Two or more waves superimposing to create a resulting wave that has a larger amplitude.
Destructive interference:
Two or more waves superimposing to create a resulting wave that has a smaller amplitude.
Thin film interference:
The principle that creates colors on thin layers of transparent substances. The light reflecting off the interior of the substance interferes with light reflecting off the exterior.
Huygens Principle:
Every point on a wave front acts as a source of tiny wavelets. The wave front at a later time is the surface that is tangent to the wavelets.
Resolution:
The ability to distinguish two distinct points from a distance.
Coherent light:
Light wave that are all in phase or in step.
Monochromatic light:
Light waves that possess the same frequency, color, or wavelength.
Diffraction:
The bending of waves around obstacles, corners, or openings.
Polarized light:
Light where the electric field fluctuates in only one direction.
