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Lecture Video
The idea that light is both a wave and a particle is introduced. The properties of waves are described and the applications of diffraction are presented.
> Download from iTunes U (MP4 - 102MB)
> Download from Internet Archive (MP4 - 102MB)
Lecture Notes
Clicker Questions
Lecture 3 Clicker Questions (PDF - 1.3MB)
Textbook Reading
| TOPICS | 5th EDITION | 4th EDITION |
|---|---|---|
| The Characteristics of Electromagnetic Radiation | Section 1.2 – focus on pp. 10–12 | Section 1.2 – focus on pp. 10–12 |
| Radiation, Quanta, and Photons | Section 1.4 – focus on pp. 10–12 | Section 1.4 – focus on pp. 10–12 |
Related Behind the Scenes at MIT Videos
Exploring the Molecular World with X-Ray Diffraction
Cathy Drennan explains how she and her lab apply the principles of constructive / destructive interference, and other characteristics of light (including energy, frequency, and intensity) in their research using X-ray crystallography to determine the three-dimensional shape of proteins. Cathy’s lab captures “snapshots” of proteins in action with a focus on proteins with medical or energy/environment-related applications.
Catherine L. Drennan’s Personal Story
Cathy Drennan explains how her dyslexia, and other people’s low expectations of her because of it, have not prevented her from excelling in science and becoming a full professor at MIT. In fact, her “disability” has given her a unique set of visualization skills that allow her to better understand protein shapes and how they fit together.
Problems and Solutions
Acknowledgement
Excerpt of “ROY G. BIV” by They Might Be Giants, courtesy of Idlewild / Disney Sound, used with permission. From Here Comes Science, 2009.