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Physics-Particles/Waves electromagnetic radiation

Physical Science Safety Guidelines

PHYSICS Safety

PS4 3

Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning behind the idea that electromagnetic radiation can be described either by a wave model or a particle model, and that for some situations one model is more useful than the other. 

Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on how the experimental evidence supports the claim and how a theory is generally modified in light of new evidence. Examples of a phenomenon could include resonance, interference, diffraction, and photoelectric effect.

Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include using quantum theory

HS PS4-3
Prior Knowledge/Preview
Using all our senses in Space NASA Science

Inquiry science
       Printable activity
       On-line activity - DoE Explains . . . Photons US Dept of Energy

LAB experiments
       Lab #1 Wave-particle duality activity – download the lab NASA  
       Lab #2 Using Spectra to see Stars Item 5 Try it Yourself NASA
       Lab #3 Diffraction grating activity PSI Physics at NJCTL
       Lab #4 Wave/Particle duality activity CK-12 FlexBooks       
       Lab #5 Using diffraction gratings to identify elements in Space Activity #3 NASA SOHO
       Lab #6 Introduction to Infrared WIS

Aerospace CONNECTIONS:
Applications and examples
Wave-Particle Duality in Space-a tour of the electromagnetic spectrum NASA
Math of the expanding Universe NASA JPL

EXTENSION material for the curious
Light – is it a wave or a particle? Canon Global

NASA’s Fermi Confirms Star Wreck as Source of Extreme Particles NASA

Quantum Technologies Take Flight – wave/particle duality NASA Science

Plasma Waves NASA Scientific Visualization Studio

Electromagnetics section 2 Waves or Particles? NASA Science

Quantum Mechanics from Washington International School
Rutherford Scattering
Quantum Tunneling
Schrödinger Wave Equation
Pair Production
Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

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