Light models and radiation – basic principles
How it works
Light can be described as a ray, a wave or a particle (photon). In the ray model, light propagates in a straight line, is reflected and refracted. The wave model explains phenomena such as interference and diffraction. The particle model describes effects such as the photoelectric effect. Light is electromagnetic radiation and transports energy. The speed of light in vacuum is exactly 299.792.458 m/s. Different models are used depending on the situation.
Depending on the observed phenomenon, the ray, wave or particle model is used to describe light and radiation. Models explain certain properties and limits of light, but no model explains all phenomena completely.
An example
Which light model best explains the formation of shadows?
Try it yourself now
50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.