PSYB51H3 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Fovea Centralis, Scotopic Vision, Refractive Error
Document Summary
Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation energy produced by vibrations of electrically charged material. There are two ways to conceptualize light as a wave or a stream of photons. Wave an oscillation that travels through a medium by transferring energy from one particle to another without any permanent displacement of the medium. Photon a quantum of visible light or other form of electromagnetic radiation demonstrating both particle and wave properties. Although the spectrum for electromagnetic radiation is wide, visible light consists of a tiny portion of this spectrum. In empty space light travels in a straight line at the speed of light. When it enters the atmosphere, the light particles can be absorbed, scattered, reflected, transmitted and refracted. Absorb - to take something out and not transmit it at all. Scatter to disperse something in an irregular fashion. Reflect to redirect something that strikes a surface, usually back towards its point of origin.
