Physics
Optics
Mirror Equation
12
⚡ Quick Summary
The mirror equation relates the object distance (u), image distance (v), and radius of curvature (R) of a spherical mirror.
1/u + 1/v = 2/R
The mirror equation is given by 1/u + 1/v = 2/R, where u is the object distance, v is the image distance, and R is the radius of curvature of the mirror. Sign conventions should be followed carefully.
Paraxial Rays
XI
⚡ Quick Summary
Rays that make a small angle to the optical axis.
Not applicable (approximation)
Rays close to the principal axis of a lens or mirror, used to simplify calculations in geometrical optics.
Photometer
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
An instrument that measures light intensity.
Not applicable (instrument)
An instrument that measures light intensity.
Photometry
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
The science of measuring light intensity.
Not applicable (branch of physics)
The science of measuring light intensity.
Polaroids
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
Filters that allow only light waves with a specific polarization to pass through.
I = I0 cos^2(θ)
Filters that allow only light waves with a specific polarization to pass through.
Presbyopia
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
Age-related loss of accommodation, making it difficult to focus on near objects.
Not applicable (eye defect)
Age-related loss of accommodation, making it difficult to focus on near objects.
Prism
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
A transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refracts light.
n = sin((A+D)/2) / sin(A/2)
A transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refracts light.
Rainbow
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
A meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky.
Not applicable (phenomenon)
A meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets resulting in a spectrum of light appearing in the sky.
Rayleigh Criterion
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
A criterion for the resolution of two point sources.
θ = 1.22λ/D
A criterion for the resolution of two point sources.
Reflection
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
The bouncing back of light from a surface.
θi = θr
The bouncing back of light from a surface.
Refraction
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
Refractive Index
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
A measure of how much light slows down when passing through a medium.
n = c/v
A measure of how much light slows down when passing through a medium.
Resolution
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
The ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects.
Not applicable (concept)
The ability to distinguish between two closely spaced objects.
Resolving power
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
The ability of an optical instrument to separate closely spaced objects.
Resolving power = 1/d
The ability of an optical instrument to separate closely spaced objects.
Optical Fiber
XII
⚡ Quick Summary
A thin, flexible strand of glass or plastic that transmits light signals.
Not applicable (technology)
A thin, flexible strand of glass or plastic that transmits light signals.
Telescope
11
⚡ Quick Summary
An optical instrument used to view distant objects.
N/A
A telescope is an optical instrument used to view distant objects by collecting and focusing electromagnetic radiation.
Snell's Law
11
⚡ Quick Summary
Law describing the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction.
n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂
Snell's law (also known as the law of refraction) is a formula used to describe the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, when referring to light or other waves passing through a boundary between two different isotropic media, such as water, glass, or air.
Total Internal Reflection
11
⚡ Quick Summary
The phenomenon when light is reflected back into the medium instead of being refracted.
N/A
Total internal reflection is the phenomenon that occurs when a ray of light strikes the boundary between two media and is reflected back into the first medium instead of being refracted into the second medium. It occurs when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to a medium with a lower refractive index at an angle of incidence greater than the critical angle.
Young's Double-Slit Experiment
11
⚡ Quick Summary
An experiment demonstrating the wave nature of light.
N/A
Young's double-slit experiment is a classic experiment that demonstrates the wave nature of light. When light passes through two narrow slits, it produces an interference pattern on a screen behind the slits.