Unit 4 - Day 2: Refraction and Total Internal Reflection

Course/Unit: SPH4U/Wave Nature of Light Date: To be decided

Lesson Big Idea(s):
  • Light has properties that are similar to those of mechanical waves.
  • The behavior of light as a wave can be described mathematically.

Overall Expectations:
E2: Investigate in qualitative and quantitative terms, the properties of waves and light, and solve related problems.
E3: Demonstrate an understandingof the properties of waves and light in relation to diffraction, refraction, interference, and polarization.
Specific Expectations:
E2.1 use appropriate terminology related to the wave nature of light, including, but not limited to: diffraction, dispersion, wave interference, nodal line, phase, oscillate, polarization, and electromagnetic radiation [C].
E2.3: conduct inquiries involving the diffraction,refraction, polarization, and interference oflight waves e.g., shine lasers through single,double, and multiple slits; observe a computersimulation of Young’s double-slit experiment;measure the index of refraction of different materials;observe the effect of crossed polarizingfilters on transmitted light) [PR]
Learning Goals:
By the end of the class students will understand:
  • Refraction of light.
  • Dispersion of light.
  • Total internal reflection.
/ Success Criteria:
I know I have achieved the learning goals when I can:
  • Use Snell’s law to calculate index of refraction.
  • Explain dispersion.
  • Explain total internal reflection.
  • Explain the applications of total internal reflection (e.g. fibre optics).

Expected Prior Knowledge:
  • SPH3U: Waves and Sound
  • SPH4U: Properties of Waves and Reflection.

Before: Minds On

Time: / Description / Materials
5min / Minds On:
  • Discuss the following image:
/ Computer
Internet
Transition from Minds On to Action:
  • Answer questions from the homework/worksheet from the last lesson on.

During: Action

Time: / Description / Materials
15 min / Action1:
  • Direct lecture on refraction.
  • Direct lecture on Snell’s law and its derivation.
  • Application of Snell’s law to solve problems.
  • Use attached worksheet titled Refraction and Total Internal Reflection - Leading questions.docx
  • Solve practice problems 1 and 2 on page 449.
/ White board
Markers
Nelson Physics 12
Computer
Internet
Black/white/smart board.
Copes of attached worksheets.
25 min / Action 2:
  • To accompany the simulation, use the separate worksheet titled Refraction and Total Internal Reflection - Worksheet.docx

5 min / Action 3:
  • Direct lecture on Dispersions and Prism.
  • Use separate worksheet titled: Refraction and Total Internal Reflection - Leading Questions.

15 min / Action 4:
  • Direct Lecture on Total internal Reflection
  • Solve practice problem 2 on page 457 of the Nelson Physics 12 textbook.
  • Applications of Total Internal reflection - use attached worksheet titled Total Internal Reflection - Examples.docx
  • Direct lecture on Fibre optics.
  • Use separate worksheet titled Fibre Optics - Worksheet.docx

After: Consolidation

Time / Description / Materials
5min / Consolidation:
  • Use attached file called Refraction and Total Internal Reflection - Exit Ticket.docx
  • Collect these at the end of class and use to assess students understand of the
lesson.
Homework:
  • Questions 1 to 11 Page 458 Nelson Physics 12.
/ Copes of attached worksheets.