Specific Expectations

Understanding Basic Concepts

By the end of this course, students will:

• WA1.01 define and explain the concepts and units related to the wave nature of light (e.g., diffraction, dispersion,wave interference, polarization, electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic spectrum);
• WA1.02 describe, citing examples, how electromagnetic radiation, as a form of energy, is produced and transmitted, and how it interacts with matter;
• WA1.03 describe the phenomenon of wave interference as it applies to light in qualitative and quantitative terms, using diagrams and sketches;
• WA1.04 describe and explain the phenomenon of wave diffraction as it applies to light in quantitative terms, using diagrams;
• WA1.05 describe and explain the experimental evidence supporting a wave model of light (e.g., describe the scientific principles related to Young’s double-slit experiment and explain how his results led to a general acceptance of the wave model of light).

Developing Skills of Inquiry and Communication

• WA2.01 identify the theoretical basis of an investigation, and develop a prediction that is consistent with that theoretical basis (e.g., predict diffraction and interference patterns produced in ripple tanks; predict the diffraction pattern produced when a human hair is passed in front of a laser beam; predict effects related to the polarization of light as it passes through two polarizing filters);
• WA2.02 identify the interference pattern produced by the diffraction of light through narrow slits (single and double slits) and diffraction gratings, and analyse it in qualitative and quantitative terms;
• WA2.03 collect and interpret experimental data in support of a scientific theory (e.g., conduct an experiment to observe the interference pattern produced by a light source shining through a double slit and explain how the data supports the wave theory of light);
• WA2.04 analyse and interpret experimental evidence indicating that light has some characteristics and properties that are similar to those of mechanical waves and sound.

Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment

By the end of this course, students will:

• WA3.01 describe instances where the development of new technologies resulted in the advancement or revision of scientific theories (e.g., outline the scientific understandings that were made possible through the use of such devices as the electron microscope and interferometers);
• WA3.02 describe and explain the design and operation of technologies related to electromagnetic radiation (e.g., describe the scientific principles that underlie Polaroid filters for enhancing photographic images; describe how information is stored and retrieved using compact discs and laser beams);
• WA3.03 analyse, using the concepts of refraction, diffraction, and wave interference, the separation of light into colours in various phenomena (e.g., the colours produced by thin films), which forms the basis for the design of technological devices (e.g., the grating spectroscope).