Module 7: The Nature of Light

Module 7 of the HSC Physics curriculum, titled "The Nature of Light," aims to provide students with an understanding of the properties, behaviour, and applications of light. The module explores our current and past understanding of light via different models. 

• An Overview of Models of Light and Their Experiments

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Inquiry question: What is light? 

• James Maxwell and Electromagnetism

• Determination of the Speed of Light

• Introduction to Spectroscopy (Gas discharge tube, reflected sunlight, incandescent filament)

• Spectrum of Stars

Light: Wave Model

Inquiry question: What evidence supports the classical wave model of light and what predictions can be made using this model? 

• Diffraction of Light

• Corpuscular Model vs Wave Model of Light (Newton & Huygens)

• Polarisation of Light

Light: Quantum Model

Inquiry question: What evidence supports the particle model of light and what are the implications of this evidence for the development of the quantum model of light? 

• The Quantum Theory

• The Photoelectric Effect and the Quantum Model of Light

• A Common Misconception Regarding the Photoelectric Effect

Light and Special Relativity

Inquiry question: How does the behaviour of light affect concepts of time, space and matter? 

• Theory of Special Relativity: Einstein's Postulates

• Evidence for Einstein's Postulates (Michelson-Morley Experiment)

• Theory of Special Relativity: Time Dilation & Length Contraction

• Theory of Special Relativity: Relativistic Momentum

• Energy-Mass Equivalence