This program is designed to illustrate the laws of reflection and refraction of light. As the laser pointer moves, the laser beam enters from the upper medium into the lower medium. When the two media differ, both reflection and refraction phenomena occur. When the refractive index of the upper medium is greater than that of the lower medium, and the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle, a fascinating total internal reflection can be observed. This program is suitable for primary and secondary school students to learn and understand the laws of reflection and refraction of light, allowing them to review and reinforce physics concepts through engaging interactive activities. It can also be utilized by teachers for classroom demonstrations, enhancing lessons with a more lively and dynamic approach.
The programs key features include:
1. Demonstration of reflection and refraction laws when the upper and lower media differ: The angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence, and the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction equals the ratio of the refractive indices of the lower and upper media.
2. Demonstration of total internal reflection when the refractive index of the upper medium is greater than that of the lower medium: When the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle, all incident light is reflected back, with no refracted light.
3. Selection of five laser colors - red, blue, green, orange, and purple - each corresponding to a unique refractive index. Lasers with higher frequencies exhibit greater refractive indices.