The Wave Nature of Light
The Wave Nature of Light Video Tutorial explains the concept of wave-particle duality and discusses the evidence for a wave model of light. Numerous examples, illustrations, and animations assist in the explanations.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How do the particle model and wave model compare to one another?
- What behaviors of light support the wave model?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Physics Interactives, Light and Color: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Infographic
Eye Candy! This interactive is filled with information about the Electromagnetic Spectrum and electromagnetic waves. Originally prepared as a wall chart the size of a Periodic Table, it is now a public domain tool for learning about science. Enjoy our interactive version of it. Turn on your curiosity and leave yourself plenty of time to explore.
Science Reasoning Center, Light Waves: Models of Light
This interactive exercise probes the dual nature of light. The success and failure of the wave model of light and the particle model of light to explain reflection, diffraction, interference,and the photoelectric effect are explored.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Light Waves and Color: Wavelike Behaviors of Light
This written tutorial page is the written companion to our video tutorial. When you need a quick reference, consider a trip to this page.
Teacher Resources
Physics Interactives, Light and Color: The Electromagnetic Spectrum Infographic
Eye Candy! This interactive is filled with information about the Electromagnetic Spectrum and electromagnetic waves. Originally prepared as a wall chart the size of a Periodic Table, it is now a public domain tool for learning about science. Promote some curiosity among your students with our interactive version.
Science Reasoning Center, Light Waves: Models of Light
This interactive exercise probes the dual nature of light. The success and failure of the wave model of light and the particle model of light to explain reflection, diffraction, interference,and the photoelectric effect are explored. Use it with or without a Task Tracker account.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Light Waves and Color: Wavelike Behaviors of Light
This written tutorial page is the written companion to our video tutorial. When your students need a quick reference, encourage them to visit this page.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.