Particle Refraction of Light
Most recent answer: 04/24/2016
Q:
Can the refraction of light be described using particle theory?
- Michael (age 15)
Canada
- Michael (age 15)
Canada
A:
Newton thought of light as particles, so he tried to describe particle refraction. It's quite difficult, since you have to account for the interference patterns that systematically change as you make the refractory material (e.g. glass) thicker. Newton suggested that light particles had alternating "fits" of easy and hard refractability. Wave pictures work much more naturally.
Mike W.
(published on 04/24/2016)