NS3310 – Physical Science Studies Waves: Light, Sound, and the Electromagnetic Spectrum

Rough Science We are stranded on a desert island, but since we are scientists, we will need to study our surroundings. The problem is, we don’t have our instruments. You must make either a telescope or a microscope 

A Wave Is a Wiggle in Time What is a wave? What are the characteristics of a wave? How is sound different from light? What is the Electromagnetic Spectrum? What are photons and electrons? How can photons and electrons behave as both particles and waves? How can the different wavelengths of the EMS be used to do work? Why should we be concerned with short wavelength EM radiation?

Characteristics of a Wave Vibrational Energy Amplitude Cycle Period Frequency Hertz

Kinds of Waves Longitudinal Waves Transverse Waves

Wave Behavior Reflection Refraction Reverberation Interference Resonance

Sound Source and Direction Loudness (amplitude) Pitch (frequency) Doppler Effect

The Electromagnetic Spectrum Gamma Rays X-Rays UV Light Visible Light Spectrum IR Light Microwaves Radio Waves

Light Reflection Refraction Dispersion Interference Polarization Photoelectric Effect Red Shift

Lasers and Holograms Lasers are resonant light Holograms are made by lasers Holographic TV?

Key Concepts A wave is a wiggle in time. Important characteristics of a wave include wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. Waves can be reflected, refracted, and polarized. Waves can create interference and resonance. Sound waves are vibrations traveling through matter. Sound waves share many characteristics with EM waves, but sound cannot travel through a vacuum.

Key Concepts The electromagnetic spectrum is the result of photons traveling at different wavelengths. This energy is useful in many ways including the visible spectrum of light, microwaves, and radio waves. Smaller wavelengths of the EMS can be dangerous since they can interfere with our cells and DNA. Lenses and mirrors work by reflecting or refracting light. Lasers are resonant light

NS3310 – Physical Science Studies Quantum Zoo

The Structure of Matter What’s Inside a Proton? The Particle Zoo Leptons Quarks Antimatter

Standard Model Up Down Charm Strange Bottom Top

Forces Strong Force Weak Force Electromagnetic Force Gravity (?)

Particle or Wave? Particle-Wave duality of nature Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle Double-slit experiment Probability waves

Higgs Particle (?) Higg’s Ocean Quantum Foam Multiple dimensions

Unified Theories SuperSymmetry M Theory Loop Quantum Gravity Cyclic Model

Time The Arrow of Time (?)

Key Concepts Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of subatomic particles At the quantum level, mass and energy are the same Behavior at the quantum level is “strange” but true Once particles form atoms and molecules, however, they behave deterministically

NS3310 – Physical Science Studies Electricity and Magnetism

More Rough Science It’s getting late and we need a flashlight  Luckily, we have what we need from materials salvaged from the S.S. Minnow.

Key Questions What is electricity? What is magnetism? What is electric charge? What is electric potential? What is electric current? What is resistance? What is magnetism? What is induction? How is induction used in generators and transformers?

Electric Charge Measuring Electric Charge Electric Potential (volts) Coulomb’s Law Electric Potential (volts) Electric Current (amps) Resistance (ohms)

Circuits Simple Circuits Parallel Circuits Batteries

AC / DC Direct Current Alternating Current

Magnetism Magnetic Poles Magnetic Field Induction

Power Generators Power (watts) Transformers Transmission

Key Concepts An electron generates an electric charge. Electrons always flow from areas of high concentration to areas of low concentration. As electrons flow, their charge exerts a force on their surroundings. The potential energy of this force depends on the amount of charge available. Electric current is the rate of flow of electrons. By overcoming resistance, electrons can do work. Electricity can be converted to other forms of energy. A magnetic field is generated by the disproportionate distribution of electrons in a substance. A magnet can be used to induce the flow of electrons. Flowing electrons can be used to induce a magnetic field. Generators and transformers are technologies that utilize the principle of induction.