Mechanical Universe

Maxwell's theory says that electromagnetic waves of all wavelengths, from radio waves to gamma-rays and including visible light, are all basically the same phenomenon. Many of the properties of light are really just properties of waves, including reflection, refraction and diffraction. Ordinary light can be used to see things on a human scale, X-rays to "see" things on an atomic scale.

Learning Objectives

Be able to discuss the nature and properties of various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Be able to state the law of reflection and Snell's law of refraction and relate them to the properties of waves.
Be able to explain wave interference and diffraction.
Be able to explain how we can "see" atoms.