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Waves & Optics

Transverse and longitudinal waves, wave speed, frequency, wavelength, interference, polarization, and the physics of light and sound.

14 articles

Wave Superposition: Adding Waves, Phase & Interference Patterns

Waves & Optics

Jun 27, 202611 min read

Wave Superposition: Adding Waves, Phase & Interference Patterns

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Snell's law — light ray bending at an interface between two media with n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂ labeled

Waves & Optics

Jun 23, 202613 min read

Snell's Law: n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂, Derivation & Total Internal Reflection

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Standing wave on a string showing nodes, antinodes, and the first three harmonics

Waves & Optics

Jun 23, 202612 min read

Standing Waves & Resonance: Nodes, Antinodes & Harmonics Explained

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Polarisation of light — unpolarised light passing through polariser to become plane-polarised

Waves & Optics

Jun 22, 202612 min read

Polarisation of Light: Malus's Law I = I₀cos²θ & Applications

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Wave interference — two wave sources producing constructive and destructive interference pattern

Waves & Optics

Jun 15, 202612 min read

Wave Interference: Constructive, Destructive & Superposition Explained

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Electromagnetic Waves: Speed, Spectrum & Wave Properties

Waves & Optics

Jun 12, 202612 min read

Electromagnetic Waves: Speed, Spectrum & Wave Properties

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$Diffraction grating — parallel slits producing sharp maxima at angles given by dsinθ = nλ$

Waves & Optics

Jun 10, 202612 min read

Diffraction: Single Slit, Diffraction Gratings & dsinθ = nλ Explained

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Doppler effect — compressed wave fronts in front of a moving source and stretched wave fronts behind

Waves & Optics

Apr 25, 202613 min read

The Doppler Effect: Formula, Examples & Applications — Sound, Light & Radar

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The electromagnetic spectrum — from radio waves through visible light to gamma rays

Waves & Optics

Apr 22, 202616 min read

The Electromagnetic Spectrum: Wavelengths, Frequencies & Properties

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Longitudinal waves — compression and rarefaction of a spring illustrating parallel wave oscillation

Waves & Optics

Apr 8, 202615 min read

Longitudinal Waves: Definition, Diagram, Examples & vs Transverse

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$Reflection and refraction — light ray hitting a glass surface showing reflected and refracted beams with angles$

Waves & Optics

Apr 3, 202615 min read

Reflection and Refraction: Laws, Snell's Law & Critical Angle Explained

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Young's double-slit experiment — two slits producing interference pattern of bright and dark fringes on a screen

Waves & Optics

Mar 27, 202614 min read

Young's Double-Slit Experiment: Fringe Formula, Proof & Applications

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Wave speed frequency and wavelength — laboratory oscilloscope showing wave properties

Waves & Optics

Mar 5, 202614 min read

Wave Speed Formula v = fλ: Frequency, Wavelength & Worked Examples

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Transverse waves — ripples spreading across water surface showing perpendicular wave oscillation

Waves & Optics

Jan 15, 202622 min read

Transverse Waves: Diagram, Definition & Examples Explained

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