Physics Unit 4 AOS 2 - How are light and matter similar?

This unit is composed of three different modules that can be completed individually (approximately 4 hours each). The modules include:

Physics Unit 4 AOS 2: 2.1 - Behaviour of light

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to investigate the following:   

• Diffraction and its limitations  

• Photoelectric effect       

• Limitation of the wave model of light in explaining experimental results related to the photoelectric effect.

Physics Unit 4 AOS 2: 2.2 -Matter as particles or waves

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to investigate the following:   

• Interpret electron diffraction patterns as evidence for the wave-like nature of matter. 

• Distinguish between the diffraction patterns produced by photons and electrons.   

• Calculate the de Broglie wavelength of matter

Physics Unit 4 AOS 2: 2.3 -Similarities between light and matter

Students will use interactive activities including simulations, videos and apps, to:   

• Compare the momentum of photons and matter travelling with the same wavelength.  

• Study, interpret and analyse atomic absorption and emission line spectra, 

• Study quantised states of the atom.    

• Interpret the single photon/electron double slit experiment. 

• Explain how diffraction illustrates Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. 

• Explain why classical laws of physics are not appropriate to model motion at very small scales.                 

• Compare the production of light from lasers, synchrotrons, LEDs and incandescent lights.