Physical Optics

Question 1

Diffraction definition

Answer 1

the bending of a wave due to a barrier or opening

Question 2

Huygens’ principle

Answer 2

Every oscillator in a wave creates spherical wavelets that propagate outward. The wave front created by these oscillators is due to the combined interference of the wavelets.

Question 3

Constructive interference

Answer 3

adds together identical wave crests. Causes water waves to increase in height, sound to be come louder, and light to become brighter

Question 4

Destructive interference

Answer 4

cancels waves entirely, water = flat, sound = quiet, light = dark

Question 5

equation for Xm (spacing between the maximums)

Answer 5

Xm = mlambdaL/d where L is the screen split spacing, m is the NUMBER for the maximum, d is the distance to the screen from the slit

Question 6

equation for Xm with angle given

Answer 6

d = mlambdasin(theta)

Question 7

Perpendicular filters

Answer 7

block all light

Question 8

Dispersion definition

Answer 8

Wavelengths separated into distinct colors of light (commonly demonstrated by using a prism, shortest wavelengths bend the most, longest wavelengths bend the least)

Question 9

Path difference definition and equation

Answer 9

the difference between the distance the two rays travel (from the two slits). path difference = m*lamba