Optical Lightbench
A 2D/3D optical lightbench for mirrors, lenses, refraction, total internal reflection, and real vs virtual images.
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Physics · Light & Optics
Wave–Ray Duality & Diffraction Interactive
Explore single-slit diffraction and the transition from a wave-based description to a geometric-ray approximation. Students adjust wavelength, slit width and distances to investigate where ray optics is a useful approximation and where wave effects matter. The full interactive is available to licensed Education Universe users.
Years 10–12Explorer
Try interactiveOpens the existing Education Universe preview. Availability and time limits are managed by the Viewer.
Learning outcomes
- Explain diffraction as a wave phenomenon.
- Predict how wavelength and slit width affect the diffraction pattern.
- Discuss limits of the ray approximation.
Teaching guidance
Ask students to predict the effect of narrowing the slit before changing the controls, then compare the wave and ray views.
Classroom use
This licensed explorer supports teaching Wave Ray Duality in Year 10. Teachers can use the resource as part of a lesson, investigation or classroom discussion. Full interactive access requires an eligible Education Universe licence or trial.
Use Wave Ray Duality with your class
Start a free 30-day trial with class codes and progress tracking, or talk to us about your school's licence.
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Wave Ray Duality is one of the licensed interactives in The Education Universe. This page describes it; teachers use it in lessons and classes with a licence or the free trial.