Chapter 21: Wave Nature of Light Flashcards
What is the wave nature of light?
“The wave nature of light refers to the behavior of light as a wave
What is the equation for the speed of a wave?
“The equation for the speed of a wave is v = fλ
What is interference?
“Interference is the phenomenon where two or more waves superpose to form a resultant wave. Constructive interference occurs when waves are in phase
What is diffraction?
“Diffraction is the bending of light around obstacles or through openings
What is the difference between diffraction and refraction?
“Diffraction involves the bending of waves around obstacles or through small openings
What is the concept of a coherent light source?
“A coherent light source emits light waves that are in phase with each other
What is Young’s double-slit experiment?
“Young’s double-slit experiment demonstrated that light behaves as a wave
What is the formula for the fringe separation in Young’s double-slit experiment?
“The fringe separation (Δy) in Young’s double-slit experiment is given by Δy = λL / d
What is the condition for constructive interference in Young’s double-slit experiment?
“Constructive interference occurs when the path difference is an integer multiple of the wavelength: ΔL = mλ
What is the condition for destructive interference in Young’s double-slit experiment?
“Destructive interference occurs when the path difference is an odd multiple of half the wavelength: ΔL = (m + 1/2)λ
What is the concept of polarization?
“Polarization is the process by which the vibrations of a light wave are restricted to a single plane.”
What is a polarizer?
“A polarizer is a device that allows only light vibrating in one plane to pass through
What is the relationship between electric and magnetic fields in polarized light?
“In polarized light
What is the Brewster’s angle?
“Brewster’s angle is the angle at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a transparent dielectric surface
What is the concept of diffraction gratings?
“A diffraction grating is an optical device with a large number of closely spaced slits that disperses light into its component wavelengths based on diffraction.”
What is the principle of superposition?
“The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap
What is a standing wave?
“A standing wave is a wave that remains stationary
What is the concept of an optical path length?
“The optical path length is the product of the refractive index (n) of a medium and the physical distance (d) light travels through it: OP = n * d.”
What is the principle behind a Michelson interferometer?
“A Michelson interferometer splits a light beam into two parts
