MCAT Basics (from MedSchoolCoach) Light and Optics
Oct 14, 2025
Dive into the world of light and optics as essential concepts are simplified for exam success. Discover how photons carry energy and the intriguing photoelectric effect that reveals light's particle nature. Explore the differences between longitudinal and transverse waves, along with interference principles. Learn about lenses, ray tracing, and how real-world polarization works, like in your favorite sunglasses. Plus, gain essential study tips to enhance your MCAT preparation!
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Photons Carry Quantized Energy
- Photons are massless particles that carry electromagnetic energy and have quantized energy E = h·f.
- Use c = f·λ to convert frequency and wavelength for photon energy calculations.
Photoelectric Effect Reveals Threshold Energy
- In the photoelectric effect a photon’s energy splits into the work function plus the electron’s kinetic energy.
- If photon energy < work function no electrons are emitted regardless of intensity.
Work Function As A Fighting Threshold
- Sam uses a fighting threshold analogy to explain the work function concept.
- He compares the minimum provocation for a fight to the minimum energy needed to eject an electron.