Distinguish light-ray interactions

Supplied materials

• All measurements and observations below are supplied classroom examples. They are not data from actual learners or a claim about a particular real site.
• Paper or a browser document for a labeled drawing, table or explanation.
• Worked problem inputs: A transparent boundary returns one ray and passes another. Explain the combined behavior.
• Assessment case 1: A boundary returns one ray and transmits another. What does the returned component show? Which inference or prediction is best supported?
• Assessment case 2: Which interaction describes the direction change as the ray enters the new medium? Supplied case: Ray bends entering water.
• Assessment case 3: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Ray passes through clear cover.
• Assessment case 4: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Surface takes in incident energy.
• Assessment case 5: Which interaction describes the specifically named returned, absorbed or passing component? Supplied case: Light returns from a polished boundary.
• Assessment case 6: Light continues through a pane and bends at entry. What distinction is needed? Which inference or prediction is best supported?

Learn the idea

A ray model represents propagation direction. Reflection returns a ray, refraction bends at a speed-changing boundary, transmission passes through and absorption transfers energy to material.

Reflection means ray returns from boundary. Refraction means ray bends across speed-changing boundary. Transmission means ray passes through material. Absorption means ray energy transfers to material.

For the supplied mechanism problem, A transparent boundary returns one ray and passes another. Explain the combined behavior. Reflection and transmission can occur at the same boundary. Calling the material transparent does not mean absolutely no reflection or absorption can occur.

1. Read the supplied problem and mark the structures, processes or quantities named: A transparent boundary returns one ray and passes another. Explain the combined behavior.
2. Draw the relevant boundary, pathway or comparison and label it using the scientific ideas above.
3. Write a causal explanation or calculation, showing how each observation supports the result.
4. Compare your reasoning with the worked solution; name a condition that would change or limit the inference.

Check your reasoning

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Take it further

New diagram task: a ray is partly reflected and partly absorbed at an opaque surface. Expected: label a returned path and energy transfer into material; absence of transmission does not imply absence of reflection.

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