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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.
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Optics
- Geometrical Optics
= Refractive Index
Oscillations & Waves
- Wave Motion
- High School
- Instructional Material
= Interactive Simulation
= Tutorial
Appropriate Courses Categories Ratings
- Physical Science
- Physics First
- Conceptual Physics
- Algebra-based Physics
- AP Physics
- Activity
- New teachers
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Intended User:
Learner
Format:
application/java
Access Rights:
Free access
Restriction:
© 2000 Walter Fendt
Additional information is available.
Keywords:
Huygens' Principle, Java applet, applet, geometrical optics, interactive simulation, reflection, refraction, simulation, wave reflection, wave refraction, waves, waves applet, waves simulation
Record Cloner:
Metadata instance created July 28, 2006 by swapna gurumani
Record Updated:
August 18, 2020 by Lyle Barbato
Last Update
when Cataloged:
January 18, 2003

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:
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Record Link
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 October 7, 2024, 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 7 October 2024).
MLA Format
Fendt, Walter. Walter Feldt Physics Applets: Reflection and Refraction of Light Waves. 2000. 18 Jan. 2003. 7 Oct. 2024 <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 = {2024}, Number = {7 October 2024}, 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 2024 %N 7 October 2024 %8 January 18, 2003 %9 application/java %U https://www.walter-fendt.de/html5/phen/refractionhuygens_en.htm


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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.

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