Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Wave Model of Light (Principles): Use reflection and refraction to take photos Virtual Lab

Visit Antarctica to take the perfect picture of a penguin! You will get help from Albert Einstein, who will teach you how reflection and refraction of light affect the photos you take among the snow and ice.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1,000's of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Wave Model of Light (Principles): Use reflection and refraction to take photos

About this Simulation

Join photographer Nicholas on his expedition to Antarctica to photograph the wildlife. In this simulation, you will learn about the wave-like behaviors of light. When light travels from one medium into another, the rays can reflect off of the surface. Depending on the angle and the media, the light can also refract. The angle of refraction is described by Snell’s law. You will experiment with different media and angles at the optical table to see Snell’s law in action.

Travel to the Antarctic

Meet photographer Nicholas in the Antarctic who is about to take the perfect photograph of a penguin - or is he? There is a lot of reflective snow and ice in the Antarctic and this will affect how much light Nicholas sees in his finished photographs. Can you help him optimize the settings of his camera?

Meet Einstein in the lab

To learn more about light, join Albert Einstein in the physics lab. You will have the option to first explore the electromagnetic spectrum and discover the similarities and differences between different types of electromagnetic radiation. Alternatively, you can dive straight into visible light.

Experiment with mirrors and glaciers

Learn how light is reflected and refracted when travelling from one medium to another. What happens to light when it hits a mirror? And how about an Antarctic glacier? Together with Albert Einstein, you will set up your own optical table with a laser, mirrors and glacier samples and discover what happens to a laser beam when it hits these media.

Optimize the camera settings

Now that you are an expert in reflection and refraction, you understand why Nicholas’ photo looked the way it did. Help him to get the optimal amount of light into his camera and capture that perfect picture!

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Understand the wave/particle duality of light and how it explains the different features of electromagnetic radiation

  • Apply the law of reflection and refraction to predict how light interacts with interfaces

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Optical table

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with customizable quizzes

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Wave Model of Light (Principles): Use reflection and refraction to take photos" simulation?
What is the simulated Physics scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Physics labs does Labster offer?