Physics topic
Optics simulations
Trace light through lenses, explore refraction and investigate diffraction, polarisation and colour mixing.
Where will an image form?
Keep the focal length fixed and move the object. Predict whether an image will be real or virtual, then inspect its position, orientation and size.
- Refraction and total internal reflection
- Real and virtual images
- Diffraction, polarisation and colour
Start here
These labs provide a route into the topic. Make a prediction first, then use the controls to test it.
All optics experiments
Lenses & image formation2D →Lenses & image formation · 3D3D →Refraction & total internal reflection2D →Double-slit diffraction2D →Refraction & total internal reflection · 3D3D →Double-slit diffraction · 3D3D →Colour vision & light mixing · 3D3D →Polarisation · 3D3D →Compound microscope · 3D3D →Diffraction grating spectrometer · 3D3D →
Need a different starting point? Explore the other physics topics.