Light, Waves, and Optics

The study of visible light and optics, color, sound, and the electromagnetic spectrum.

Resources in this category:

Encyclopedia of Laser Physics and Technology
http://www.rp-photonics.com/encyclopedia.html

This is a freely accessible encyclopedia, explaining in-depth the terms and principles of topics such as laser physics, nonlinear optics, and fiber technology. The articles are arranged alphabetically by topic, and includes reference citations for further research.

ExploreLearning
http://www.explorelearning.com/

ExploreLearning offers a catalog of modular, interactive simulations in math and science, called "gizmos," which provided animated demonstrations of a wealth of physics and mathematics topics.

How Does a Long Distance Receiver Work?
http://www.4p8.com/eric.brasseur/receiv.html

A basic description and explanation with examples on the physics of transmitting information over long distances using a transmitter and receiver.

Hyperphysics
http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hph.html

Hyperphysics presents the interrelationships between various fields of physics with explanations of key concepts. The site has been designed to be highly interactive, providing numerous visual and textual hyperlinks. Links to helpful tools are provided. Developed at Georgia State University.

Lighting Design Glossary
http://www.schorsch.com/kbase/glossary/

"This glossary combines terms that are used in architectural lighting design and lighting simulation. The interdisciplinary nature of the work of the lighting designer is reflected in terms originating in architecture, radiometry, photometry, colorimetry, metereology, physiology, psychology, mathematics, geometry and computer graphics."

Optical Illusions and Visual Phenomenon
http://www.michaelbach.de/ot/index.html

You can’t believe everything you see in this gallery of optical illusions caused by motion, time, color, luminance, contrast, geometry, spacing, and gestalt effects. Brief explanations written by the webmaster, a physics professor, and citations for further reading accompany each image.

Optics, Waves, and Sound
http://vista.lbl.gov/~aerzber/aps_waves.html

A collection of links to demonstrations and lessons to aid in understanding of optics, waves, and sound. Many other interesting physics links as well. Hosted by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Patterns in Nature: Light and Optics Readings
http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/rdg/readings.shtml

A compendium of reading material on all topics within light and optics. Links to a glossary, references, and activities.

The Physics Classroom
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/

The Physics Classroom includes a comprehensive and extensive online physics tutorial written for high school physics students.

The Physics Classroom (Glenbrook South High School)
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html

The Physics Classroom includes a comprehensive and extensive online physics tutorial written for high school physics students.

The Soundry
http://library.thinkquest.org/19537/Main.html

"The Soundry is an exciting, interactive, and educational web site about sound. Covering everything from the most basic concepts of what sound actually is to the specifics of how humans perceive it, The Soundry aims to promote enthusiasm and knowledge of sound. We hope you have fun exploring our site and come away with new understanding and insights about sound." The site was created by high school students as a ThinkQuest contest entry.

Eric Weisstein's World of Physics
http://scienceworld.wolfram.com/physics/

An electronic encyclopedia of physics topics, including numerous links, explanations, equations. Topics are searchable, or users can browse links.