Back to Unit

Unit 5: Geometric Optics

AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based — Note Packet

0 of 5 blanks filled

Key Terms

Law of Reflection

The angle of incidence equals the angle of _______, both measured from the _______.

Index of Refraction

The ratio of light's speed in a _______ to its speed in a given material, determining how much light _______ down.

Snell's Law

n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, which predicts exactly how much light will _______ when passing between materials.

Total Internal Reflection

Occurs when light tries to go from a _______ index material to a _______ index material at an angle exceeding the critical angle.

Virtual Image

An image that cannot be _______ on a screen and only exists in your mind's reconstruction of where light rays appear to be coming from.

Focal Length

The distance from a mirror or lens to its focal point, which is _______ the radius of curvature for mirrors.

Mirror/Lens Equation

1/do + 1/di = 1/f, where do is _______ distance, di is _______ distance, and f is focal length.

Converging Lens

A lens that is _______ in the middle and brings light rays together, having a _______ focal length.

Lens Power

Measured in _______, it equals 1/f where f is the focal length in _______.

Angular Magnification

For telescopes, equals the focal length of the _______ divided by the focal length of the _______.

1 / 5