PSYB51H3 Final: Chapter 2
Document Summary
Chapter 2 the first steps in vision from light to neural signals. Two ways to conceptualize light: wave or stream of photons. Wave an oscillation that travels through a medium by transferring energy from one particle or point to another without causing any permanent displacement of the medium. Photon a quantum of visible light or other form of electromagnetic radiation demonstrating both particle and wave properties. In empty space, the em radiation from a star travels in a straight line at the speed of light (186000m/s) O(cid:374)(cid:272)e it rea(cid:272)hes the at(cid:373)osphere, so(cid:373)e of the starlight"s photo(cid:374)s (cid:449)ill (cid:271)e a(cid:271)sor(cid:271)ed (cid:271)(cid:455) e(cid:374)(cid:272)ou(cid:374)ters with dust, vaporized water etc. Some light will be scattered by these particles. Most photons will make it to the atmosphere and will eventually hit the surface of an object. Reflect to redirect something that strikes a surface especially light, sound, or heat usually back toward its point of origin.
