Light Waves and Colors Labs

The following PDF files represent a collection of Lab write ups pertaining to the topic of Light Waves and Colors. The Labs are synchronized to readings from the Tutorial, missions of the Minds On activities, and more. Teachers may print these Labs and their related Ruberics and use them freely with their classes. Learn more about creating a Lab Notebook for these activities as well as Reporting and Guidelines.

Available Labs

Select a Lab below to learn more about it, or download the teacher guide and other supporting documents.

Ripple Tank Lab

How is the path difference related to the wavelength of light for a two-point source interference pattern?

Two-Point Source Interference Lab

What are the limitations of the two methods of calculating the wavelength of light from an interference pattern?

Getting it Right With Light Lab

What model of light would provide a suitable explanation of how Polaroid filters work?

Diluted by Distance Lab

What is the mathematical equation relating the illuminance on a surface and the distance between the surface and the source?

Color Addition Lab

What is the result of adding combinations of the three primary colors of light in equal and unequal intensities?

Taking Away from RGB Lab

What is the result of mixing primary pigment colors and what strategy could be used for predicting such results?

Painting with CMY Lab

What is the result of mixing primary pigment colors and what strategy could be used for predicting such results?

Filtering Away Lab

What is the result of looking at various light colors through colored filters and what strategy could be used for predicting such results?