What Causes the Shadow in a Cup?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the phenomenon of shadows formed in a cup, specifically related to caustic curves. Users recommend starting research with Wikipedia articles on caustics in mathematics and optics, as these resources provide foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the topic. The key articles suggested include "Caustic (mathematics)," "Cusp (singularity)," and "Caustic (optics)." These resources will aid in developing a comprehensive report on the subject.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of caustic curves in mathematics
  • Basic principles of optics
  • Familiarity with singularities in mathematical contexts
  • Knowledge of light behavior and shadow formation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Caustic (mathematics)" on Wikipedia for mathematical definitions and examples
  • Explore "Cusp (singularity)" to understand related mathematical concepts
  • Study "Caustic (optics)" to learn about light refraction and shadow formation
  • Investigate practical experiments demonstrating caustics using everyday objects
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in the mathematical principles behind light and shadow phenomena.

matthew77ask
Messages
45
Reaction score
0
Hello,

I need help... I have been assigned in physics to look at the shadow in the cup and mysearch shows me caustic curves...

I have very little information on this to do a 4 page report on...

can someone please point me to some sites, url etc on this...

many thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org

Similar threads

High School Thought Experiment: Behavior of shadow of object moving at speed c
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
High School How will light react in this situation....
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Undergrad Light curving around vortex simulating a black hole
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Print from Linux CUPS to printer on Win8.1 with server side rendering [sort of solved]
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
High School What Causes the Void Formation in Discarded Yogurt During Disposal?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Physics Connecting with Medical Physicists: Tips for Shadowing and Networking
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
8K
Graduate Caustic Curves and Dual Curves: Are They Different?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
(Elastic collision / shadow problem) I suspect my professor is wrong.
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Engineering How Does Cup Anemometer Design Utilize Fluid Mechanics Principles?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad What causes the shadow below a whirlpool in a pool?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K