Geometric Optics
PHYS 310 · Module 1
This module treats light as rays that travel in straight lines unless they reflect, refract, or encounter optical elements. Students study mirrors, Snell's law, total internal reflection, lenses, and curved mirrors.
Lessons in this module
Reflection and plane mirrors
Reflection occurs when light changes direction at a surface. This lesson introduces the law of reflection, ray diagrams, plane mirror images, and the distinction between real and virtual images.
Refraction and Snell's law
Refraction is the bending of light as it crosses between materials where its speed changes. This lesson explains refractive index, Snell's law, wavelength change, and dispersion.
Total internal reflection and fiber optics
Total internal reflection occurs when light tries to pass from higher to lower refractive index at a large angle. This lesson explains critical angle, evanescent fields, and fiber optic guidance.
Lenses and curved mirrors
Curved mirrors and lenses form images by redirecting rays. This lesson introduces focal length, image equations, magnification, and ray diagrams for converging and diverging elements.
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