Detail Page
written by
Walter Fendt
In this Java simulation, students learn about Huygens' Principle by exploring reflection/refraction of waves. A single wavefront is depicted moving along Medium 1. Upon reaching a medium with a different index of refraction, the applet depicts how each point of the advancing wavefront is the center of a fresh disturbance and source of a new train of waves. Students can adjust the refractive index of Medium 1 or 2 and the angle of incidence. Explanations of each step in the process are provided in a text box next to the simulation.
This applet is part of a large collection of physics applets and is available in a wide range of languages here: http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/ Please note that this resource requires at least version 1.4.2 of Java.
This resource is part of a Physics Front Topical Unit.
Topic: Wave Energy
Unit Title: How Waves Move and Interact: Reflection, Refraction, Interference A nice simulation for exploring the basics of wave reflection and refraction. It shows a single wavefront in slow motion as it reaches a medium with a different refractive index. Students can see how each point of the advancing wavefront is the center of a fresh disturbance and source of a new train of waves. They can adjust the refractive index and angle of incidence of either medium. Link to Unit:
ComPADRE is beta testing Citation Styles!
Record Link
<a href="https://www.compadre.org/precollege/items/detail.cfm?ID=4155">Fendt, Walter. Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves. January 18, 2003.</a>
AIP Format
W. Fendt, (2000), WWW Document, (https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm).
AJP/PRST-PER
W. Fendt, Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves (2000), <https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm>.
APA Format
Fendt, W. (2003, January 18). Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves. Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm
Chicago Format
Fendt, Walter. Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves. January 18, 2003. https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm (accessed 17 March 2025).
MLA Format
Fendt, Walter. Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves. 2000. 18 Jan. 2003. 17 Mar. 2025 <https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm>.
BibTeX Export Format
@misc{
Author = "Walter Fendt",
Title = {Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves},
Volume = {2025},
Number = {17 March 2025},
Month = {January 18, 2003},
Year = {2000}
}
Refer Export Format
%A Walter Fendt %T Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves %D January 18, 2003 %U https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm %O application/java
EndNote Export Format
%0 Electronic Source %A Fendt, Walter %D January 18, 2003 %T Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves %V 2025 %N 17 March 2025 %8 January 18, 2003 %9 application/java %U https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm Disclaimer: ComPADRE offers citation styles as a guide only. We cannot offer interpretations about citations as this is an automated procedure. Please refer to the style manuals in the Citation Source Information area for clarifications.
Citation Source Information
The AIP Style presented is based on information from the AIP Style Manual. The APA Style presented is based on information from APA Style.org: Electronic References. The Chicago Style presented is based on information from Examples of Chicago-Style Documentation. The MLA Style presented is based on information from the MLA FAQ. This resource is stored in 9 shared folders. You must login to access shared folders. |
SupplementsContributeSimilar Materials |
Save to my folders
