Optics Notes
Overview
Why Ray Optics, and Why Now?
In Physics 1, instead of jumping right into Mechanics, our first
taste of "real physics" is in the area of Ray Optics. Why?
- Students get to see the extreme power and breadth of
application of a very simple physical law - the Law of Reflection.
- Students bring fewer misconceptions into Ray Optics than
Mechanics, although there are generally a couple of nice surprises
in store for them.
- Ray Optics is less abstract than Mechanics, so it is a less
frustrating place to start in Physics.
- There are an enormous number of everyday, accessible,
practical applications.
- Students generally find Ray Optics tremendously interesting.
Table of Contents
last update October 2, 1998 by JL Stanbrough