Chapter 4.3

Question 1

Wavefront

Answer 1

A surface through crests and normal to the direction of energy transfer of the wave

Question 2

Rays

Answer 2

Lines in the direction of energy transfer of the wave

Question 3

Intensity definition and formula

Answer 3

The power that is incident on an area
I = P/a

Question 4

Equation for intensity at a distance x when power is radiated equally

Answer 4

I = P/(4pix^2)

Question 5

Inverse square law

Answer 5

Intensity is proportional to the inverse of distance squared

Question 6

Relationship between the intensity and amplitude of a wave

Answer 6

Intensity is proportional to the amplitude squared

Question 7

Principle of superposition

Answer 7

When two or more waves of the same type arrive at a given point in space at the same time, the displacement of the medium at that point is the algebraic sum of the individual displacements

Question 8

When is an electromagnetic wave plane polarized?

Answer 8

When the electric field oscillates on the same plane

Question 9

Unpolarized light

Answer 9

A ray of light that consists of a huge number of differently polarized waves

Question 10

Polarizer

Answer 10

A sheet of material with a molecular structure that only allows a specific orientation of the electric field to go through

Question 11

Malus’ law definition and formula

Answer 11

The transmitted intensity through a polarizer is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the electric field
I = I0(cos(theta))^2
I0 = incident intensity