Tag: Reflection
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Albedo
Introduction Albedo is a fundamental concept in physics and earth sciences, denoting the reflectivity of a surface. Specifically, it is a dimensionless quantity indicating how well a surface reflects solar energy. Definition and Calculation Albedo is defined as the ratio of the radiation reflected to the radiation incident on a surface. The value of the…
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Chapter 1: Geometric Optics
1.1 Introduction Geometric optics is a field of physics that deals with the study of light and its interaction with various media using the principles of geometry. It is based on the assumption that light travels in straight lines called rays, and it simplifies the analysis of complex optical systems by neglecting the wave properties…
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Chapter 26: Electromagnetic Waves
26.1 Introduction In this chapter, we will explore electromagnetic waves, a type of wave that propagates through space as a combination of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. Electromagnetic waves are crucial in numerous applications, including communication, imaging, and remote sensing. 26.2 Properties of Electromagnetic Waves Electromagnetic waves are characterized by their frequency, wavelength, and speed.…
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Optics
Introduction Optics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. Optics usually describes the behavior of visible, ultraviolet, and infrared light. Nature of Light Light is an electromagnetic wave, and its speed in a vacuum…
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Reflection
Introduction Reflection is a fundamental concept in physics that describes how waves, such as light or sound, bounce off a surface. When these waves encounter a surface, they are reflected back into their original medium rather than being absorbed or transmitted. Law of Reflection The behavior of a wave upon reflection is governed by the…
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Snell’s Law
Introduction Snell’s Law, also known as the law of refraction, describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when a wave passes from one medium to another. It is a fundamental concept in the study of optics and wave propagation. Statement of Snell’s Law The law states that the ratio of the sine…