Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 01/12/2025
Subject: Physics
Lesson Topic: understand that a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic energy
Learning Objective/s:
  • Describe the photon as a quantum of electromagnetic energy.
  • Calculate photon energy from frequency or wavelength using E = hν and E = hc/λ.
  • Determine photon momentum using p = h/λ or p = E/c.
  • Apply photon energy and momentum concepts to phenomena such as the photoelectric effect and radiation pressure.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slides with equations and diagrams
  • Calculator or spreadsheet software
  • Worksheet with example problem
  • Laser pointer or LED demonstration (optional)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick demonstration of a laser beam to capture interest and remind students that light shows both wave and particle properties. Review the previous lesson’s discussion of energy quantisation. State that today’s success criteria are to explain what a photon is and to calculate its energy and momentum.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Answer a short question on wave‑particle duality.
  2. Mini‑lecture (10'): Define the photon and derive E = hν and E = hc/λ.
  3. Guided derivation (10'): Work through p = h/λ on the board, checking understanding with quick questions.
  4. Interactive simulation (8'): Explore an online photon‑energy applet to see how wavelength changes affect E and p.
  5. Example problem (10'): Solve the 500 nm photon calculation together; students record steps on the worksheet.
  6. Think‑pair‑share (5'): Discuss real‑world applications such as the photoelectric effect.
  7. Exit ticket (2'): Write one sentence stating the photon’s energy‑momentum relationship.
Conclusion:
Recap that a photon’s energy and momentum are directly linked to its frequency and wavelength, reinforcing light’s dual nature. Collect exit tickets to confirm each student can state the key formulas. For homework, assign a set of problems requiring calculation of photon energy and momentum for various wavelengths.