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Light has two important characteristics: rectilinear propagation and reflection. In the field of physics, these are two of the most fundamental principles. They explain how light behaves in various situations and how it reacts to various surfaces. The rectilinear propagation of light is covered in depth in this article, as well as a peek of light reflection.
Rectilinear propagation reflection of light
Rectilinear light propagation is the phenomenon of light travelling in a straight line without interference. When a ray of light passes from one medium and into another, it changes its path. Air, glass and water are examples of such mediums.
Stand on the patio and take a look around. It will become apparent that everything in their environment can be monitored. The rectilinear propagation of light makes this possible. Several simple tests can be used to prove that light propagates in a rectilinear path. The rubber tube experiment and the cardboards experiment are two popular experiments.
Rectilinear propagation
The tendency of electromagnetic waves (light) to travel in a straight path is known as rectilinear propagation. When light travels through a homogeneous substance with the same refractive index throughout, it does not deviate; otherwise, light refracts. Even though a wave front is twisted (for example, when a rock hits a pond), the individual rays are travelling in straight lines. Pierre de Fermat was the first to discover rectilinear propagation.
Real-Life Examples of Rectilinear Propagation of Light
Rectilinear light propagation is something that everyone sees on a regular basis. The rectilinear propagation of light creates a lot of optical illusions around us. Two noteworthy instances of rectilinear light propagation in real life are changes in the size of objects underwater and eclipses.
Underwater objects
The medium of light changes when it flows through water. It transitions from an air to a water medium. Unless and until it passes through a different medium, light moves in a rectilinear manner. As a result, when an object is submerged, it appears to be smaller in size. It also appears to be closer to you than it actually is. Put your hand in a pail of water and see what happens. It will be noticed that the hand appears to be smaller and closer to the water’s surface. The difference in density of the two media justifies this. Light travels at different speeds in different densities of material.
Eclipse
Solar eclipses and Lunar eclipses are the two forms of eclipses that can be seen from Earth. The moon passes between the earth and the sun during a solar eclipse. Because light propagates in a rectilinear path, light is hindered by the moon’s existence. A shadow zone is created as a result of this. The earth passes between the sun and the moon during a lunar eclipse. The earth blocks the direct path of light reaching the moon, resulting in a shadow zone on the moon.
Reflection of light
The shift in direction of the path of light as it strikes a surface is known as reflection. The surface might be smooth or textured. When it comes to light reflection, the texture of the surface is immaterial. If you want a clear reflection, though, the surface should be smooth. Only a smooth mirror can produce a clean image.
The Rubber Tube Experiment
The rubber tube experiment is a basic demonstration of rectilinear light propagation. This experiment is simple to carry out at home.
Requirements:
- A flexible rubber tube
- A source of light (a candle, a bulb or a lamp)
Procedure:
- Place the light source on a surface and turn it on.
- Place one end of a rubber tube in front of the source at a safe distance.
- Make sure there are no bends in the rubber tubing.
- Place your eye at the rubber tube’s other end.
- Make a list of your observations.
- Bend the rubber tube somewhere along its length now.
- Place your eye at the rubber tube’s end once more.
- Make a list of your observations.
Observation and Conclusion:
The lighted light source can be seen clearly from the opposite end of the rubber tube at the moment of first observation. This lends credence to the notion that light travels in a straight line. The lighted light source is not visible through the bent rubber tube during the second inspection. This occurs because the bend in the rubber tube blocks the straight route of light, preventing it from reaching the rubber tube’s end. This proves that light travels in a rectilinear path.
Conclusion
The page contains all of the critical information that a student needs to know about the rectilinear propagation reflection of light at the basic level, such as its rectilinear propagation, real life example and the rubber tube experiment, among other things. This is vital equipment for taking rectilinear propagation reflection of light.
