Wave interactions

P5.3 Wave interactions

Summary Having studied the electromagnetic spectrum learners now go on to look at the interactions of waves with materials, this will include absorption, refraction and reflection. Learners will also be expected to draw ray diagrams to illustrate the refraction of rays through lenses. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners will already be familiar with the properties and behaviour of light. They are expected to have an understanding of behaviour such as reflection, refraction, absorption and scattering. Learners should know that colours are produced by light at different frequencies.

Common misconceptions A common misconception is that when light passes through a coloured filter, the filter will add colour to the light. In addition, learners are often confused about which colours are primary colours.