Chapter 14: Diffraction and Polarization Flashcards
What is diffraction?
“Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles or through openings
What factors affect diffraction?
“The amount of diffraction depends on the wavelength of the wave and the size of the obstacle or slit. Greater diffraction occurs when the wavelength is comparable to the size of the obstacle or slit.”
What is the difference between diffraction and interference?
“Diffraction refers to the bending of waves
What is a diffraction grating?
“A diffraction grating is a device with many closely spaced slits that diffract light to produce an interference pattern
What is the equation for diffraction through a grating?
“nλ = d sin(θ)
What is the relationship between diffraction and wavelength?
“Longer wavelengths result in more pronounced diffraction
What is the main principle of polarization?
“Polarization is the process of restricting the oscillations of a wave
What is unpolarized light?
“Unpolarized light consists of waves vibrating in multiple planes
What are the methods used to polarize light?
“Light can be polarized by passing it through a polarizing filter or by reflection from a non-metallic surface.”
What is Brewster’s angle?
“Brewster’s angle is the angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly reflected
What is the equation for Brewster’s angle?
“tan(θ_B) = n2/n1
What is the significance of polarized sunglasses?
“Polarized sunglasses are designed to filter out horizontally polarized light
What is the difference between linear and circular polarization?
“Linear polarization restricts light to oscillating in one plane
What is the role of polarizing filters in photography?
“Polarizing filters in photography help reduce reflections and glare
What is a polarizer?
“A polarizer is a material or device that produces polarized light by allowing only light vibrating in a particular direction to pass through.”
What is the equation for the intensity of light passing through a polarizing filter?
“I = I_0 cos²(θ)
What is diffraction through a single slit?
“Diffraction through a single slit occurs when a wave passes through a narrow opening and spreads out
What is the equation for the angular position of the first minimum in single-slit diffraction?
“sin(θ) = λ/a
What is the role of polarization in electromagnetic waves?
“Polarization refers to the orientation of the electric field component of an electromagnetic wave
