Topic 5 - Waves and Optics

Question 1

Wavespeed

Answer 1

v = f λ
Where v= wavespeed in m/s
f= frequency in Hz
λ= wavelength in m

Question 2

Wave Period

Answer 2

T = 1 / f
Where T= wave time period in s
f= frequency in Hz

Question 3

Diffraction grating

Answer 3

n λ = d sinθ
Where n= order of the spectre (no units)
λ= wavelength in m
θ= angle of diffraction (°)
d= distance between slits

Question 4

Critical angle

Answer 4

SinC = 1 / n
Where C= critical angle
n= refractive index (no units)

Question 5

Refractive index

Answer 5

n = c / v
Where n= refractive index in
c= speed of light in m/s
v= phase velocity of light in m/s

Question 6

Snell’s law

Answer 6

n1 sinθ1 = n2 sinθ2
Where n= refractive index of material (no units)
θ1= angle of incidence (°)
θ2= angle of refraction (°)