Basics 2

To understand some basic principles about light, colors and later on sound, we to dig a bit deeper and review some basic principle of physics. This is necessary so that we can for example understand the speed of light in empty space or in water or a piece of glass (a lens). Since sound and light phenomena are related to wave properties, we need to read and learn some about the laws of motion as first discovered by Galileo and then expressed in laws of nature by Newton. Remember that Newton is connected to the law of gravity. If we want to understand phenomena like lasers, we also need to get aquainted with energy and the different ways energy manifests itself. To understand sound phenomena a bit better, we need to remind ourselves what pressure is. The sound we hear is related to the pressure sound waves exert on the membranes in our ears. The nerve cells in our inner ear will convert the changes in pressure to signals that get processed in our brains, resulting in us hearing something. You are not expected to go through an entire year of basic physics in wharp speed. You only should touch on the most basic concepts, so that we can proceed to the more interesting phenomena of color, light and sound. Mechanics The Laws of Motion Work and Energy Types of Energy Pressure