Day 2: Light

Intended Learning Outcomes for Day 2

At the end of today's lesson, you should be able to:

  1. Explain the scientific nature and properties of light.

  2. Explain the working principles of different kinds of light sources and compare their properties in terms of physics.

  3. Explain the concepts of light measurement and relate these to building science.

Session 2.1: Nature of Light

Outline

  • Light as wave vs. light as particle

  • Speed of light

  • Electromagnetic spectrum

  • Colors and color vision

Materials

Lecture notes: Day 2

Online worksheet for use in class

Simulation: Radio waves and electromagnetic fields

Video: 3D animation of electromagnetic waves

Simulation: Color vision

Revision: Kahoot!

Session 2.2: Wave Properties of Light

Outline

  • Reflection and mirrors (concave and convex)

  • Refraction and optical lens (concave and convex)

  • Total internal reflection

  • Diffraction and interference

  • Absorption and emission

Materials

Simulation: Bending light

Video: Refraction of light

Simulation: Geometric optics

Simulation: Optics Bench

Simulation: Wave interference

Revision: Kahoot!

Session 2.3: Light Sources

Outline

  • Principles and properties of incandescent lamps, discharge lamps, and LEDs

  • Color temperature

Materials

Simulation: Neon lights and other discharge lamps

Simulation: Blackbody spectrum

Simulation: Molecules and light

Session 2.4: Measurement of Light

Outline

  • Concepts of luminous intensity, luminous flux, illuminance, and luminance

  • Comparing sound wave and light wave

Materials

Revision: Kahoot!

Tool: Lighting calculators