Light and Optics

Question 1

What’s the wavelength range of visible light?

Answer 1

400 - 700 nm

Question 2

What are real and virtual images?

Answer 2

Real: Light rays actually converge at this point
Virtual: Light only appears to converge at this point

Question 3

Mirror equation

Answer 3

1/o + 1/i = 1/ƒ = 2/r

If image distance is +, image is real (in front), if - it’s virtual (behind)

Question 4

Magnification equation

Answer 4

m = -i/o
- mag = inverted image
+ mag = upright image

Question 5

Formula for index of refraction

Answer 5

n = c/v

Question 6

Snell’s law

Answer 6

n1sinØ1 = n2sinØ2

Question 7

How to determine real vs. virtual side of lenses?

Answer 7

R is side opposite object, V is side of object

Question 8

How to determine sign of focal length?

Answer 8

-  = Diverging
\+ = Converging

Question 9

How to determine sign of radius of curvature?

Answer 9

\+ = C is on R side
- = C is on V side

Question 10

Lens power

Answer 10

P = 1/ƒ

Question 11

Focal length for multiple lens system in contact

Answer 11

1/ƒ = 1/ƒ1+ 1/ƒ2 … + 1/ƒn

Question 12

Power of multiple lens system in contact

Answer 12

P = P1 + P2… + Pn

Question 13

Magnification for lenses not in contact

Answer 13

Each lens uses the image from the last, so

M = m1 * m2… * mn

Question 14

Location of dark spots with diffraction grating + lens

Answer 14

asinθ = nλ
a = slit width, n = 1,2,3...

Question 15

Formula for double slit experiment maxima

Answer 15

dsinθ = mλ