Waves & Optics

Interference, refraction · 8 formulas

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Snell's Law

n1sin⁡θ1=n2sin⁡θ2n_1 \sin\theta_1 = n_2 \sin\theta_2

Light bends toward the normal when entering a denser medium.

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Law of Reflection

θi=θr\theta_i = \theta_r

Light bounces off a mirror at the same angle it arrives.

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Wave Speed Equation

v=fλv = f\lambda

Wave speed equals how many wavelengths pass a point each second.

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Thin Lens Equation

1f=1do+1di\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}

Reciprocals of object and image distances always add up to the lens power.

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Young's Double Slit Interference

dsin⁡θ=mλd \sin\theta = m\lambda

Two overlapping wave sources create bright and dark bands.

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Single Slit Diffraction

asin⁡θ=mλa \sin\theta = m\lambda

A narrow slit spreads light into a pattern of bright and dark bands.

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Brewster's Angle

tan⁡θB=n2n1\tan\theta_B = \frac{n_2}{n_1}

At one special angle, reflected light becomes perfectly polarized.

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Doppler Effect

f′=fv+vov−vsf' = f \frac{v + v_o}{v - v_s}

Moving toward a wave source compresses waves; moving away stretches them.