Your cart is currently empty!
VCE Physics Unit 1 AOS 1
🌊 Wave Properties & Calculations
The Universal Wave Equation (\(v = f\lambda\)) links a wave’s speed, frequency, and wavelength. This relationship is fundamental to understanding all wave phenomena. Enter any two values below to calculate the third. Remember, for all electromagnetic waves in a vacuum, the speed (\(v\)) is the speed of light, \(c = 3.0 \times 10^8 \, \text{m s}^{-1}\).
💎 Refraction & Total Internal Reflection
Simulate Snell’s Law (\(n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)\)). Adjust the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two media. Observe how the light ray bends. Can you find the critical angle and achieve Total Internal Reflection (TIR)? TIR only occurs when light travels from a denser to a less dense medium (\(n_1 > n_2\)).
🌈 The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Visible light is just a small part of the EM spectrum. All EM waves travel at the speed of light in a vacuum but differ in wavelength and frequency. Click on each card to learn more about its properties and uses.
🌡️ Temperature, Heat & Internal Energy
In physics, these terms have precise meanings based on the kinetic particle model. Temperature is a measure of the average kinetic energy of particles, while thermal energy is the total kinetic and potential energy. Heat is simply the transfer of thermal energy.
Temperature
🌡️
A measure of the **average** kinetic energy of particles in a substance.
Thermal Energy
♨️
The **sum** of the kinetic and potential energies of all particles in a substance.
Heat
🔥
The **transfer** of energy from a hotter object to a colder object.
💨 Mechanisms of Heat Transfer
Energy can be transferred as heat in three distinct ways: conduction (direct contact), convection (fluid movement), and radiation (electromagnetic waves). Each mechanism is dominant in different states of matter.
Conduction
🤝
Heat transfer through direct particle-to-particle contact. Primarily in solids.
Convection
🌀
Heat transfer through the bulk movement of fluids (liquids or gases), creating currents.
Radiation
☀️
Heat transfer via electromagnetic waves (like infrared). Requires no medium.
🧮 Thermal Energy Calculations
Use the interactive calculators to solve problems involving specific heat capacity (energy to change temperature) and latent heat (energy to change state).
Specific Heat Calculator
Calculate the heat energy (\(Q\)) needed to change the temperature of a substance using the formula \(Q = mc\Delta T\).
Result: – J
Latent Heat Calculator
Calculate the heat energy (\(Q\)) needed to change the state of a substance at a constant temperature using \(Q = mL\).
Result: – J
☀️ Blackbody Radiation Explorer
All objects emit radiation based on their temperature. This chart shows the radiation emitted by an ideal “blackbody”. Wien’s Law relates temperature to the peak wavelength (\(\lambda_{\text{max}}\)), and the Stefan-Boltzmann Law states that total radiated power is proportional to \(T^4\). Adjust the temperature slider to see these laws in action.
Cool Earth (~300K)
Hot Sun (~6000K)
Peak Wavelength (\(\lambda_{\text{max}}\)):
Dominant Radiation Type:
🌍 The Greenhouse Effect Explained
The Earth’s climate is a delicate balance of incoming and outgoing energy. The greenhouse effect is a natural process that keeps our planet habitable. Click through the steps below to see how it works.
EARTH’S SURFACE
ATMOSPHERE
☀️
Incoming shortwave solar radiation
🔥
Surface absorbs energy and warms up
♨️
Earth re-radiates longwave infrared (IR) radiation
GHG Molecules
Greenhouse gases trap some outgoing IR
♨️
Re-radiated heat warms the lower atmosphere and surface
Click “Next” to begin the simulation.
