1. Optics the scientific study of the behavior of light
2. Corpuscular Theory Introduced by Pythagoras and elaborated on by Isaac Newton, pub-
lished in late 1600s states that light consist of tiny particles or bundles
of corpuscles, which are emitted by the light source, and gathered in
or absorbed by the eye, allowing for a visual experience
3. Corpuscular theory Describes reflection, it can also explain how light can be used to create
electrical energy, and to be used to describe reflection as well as
refraction
4. Corpuscular theory Explain shadows, and that the tiny particles of light will be stopped
by an object and unobstructed particles will continue on forming a
shadow
5. Indistinct shadow Results when light from two separate sources falls on the same ob-
ject,two shadows overlapping
6. Electromagnetic Wave Explains that light travels in a series of waves moving outward from a
Theory light source
7. Electromagnetic Wave Explains how a rainbow is formed
Theory
8. Electromagnetic Wave Explains how light is dispersed when it passes through a prism
Theory
9. Electromagnetic Wave Explains how a telescope works
Theory
10. Wave Theory of Light Describes light as waves that move out/spread out from the source that
generates light
11. Wave Theory of Light Proposed by Dutch physicist, Christian Huygens in 1678
, 12. James Clerk Maxwell In the 1800's, , a Scottish scientist elaborated on the wave
theory
13. electric and magnetic James Clerk Maxwell described light as having .
properties (electromag-
netic waves)
14. A Dynamic Theory of the Published by James Clerk Maxwell
Electromagnetic Field
15. waves, at the speed of "A Dynamic Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" proposed that elec-
light tric and magnetic fields travel through space as moving
.
16. unification of light, radio "A Dynamic Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" explains the
waves and the electrical phenomena leading to the
prediction of the existence of .
17. how light is generated "A Dynamic Theory of the Electromagnetic Field" is an improvement
over the wave theory in that explains .
18. Electromagnetic Wave The theory that we use today to explain light
Theory
19. Nanometers (nm) Wave lengths are expressed (measured) in
20. gamma rays, x-rays, and Electromagnetic wavelengths that are SHORTER than visible light.
ultraviolet rays
21. Infrared, radar, radio, TV Electromagnetic wavelengths that are LONGER than visible light.
22. Electromagnetic Wave Described as waves moving outward from the light source in concentric
Theory rings, much like waves, created by a pebble tossed in a pond
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