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Wave optics, also known as physical optics, focuses on studying light phenomena like polarization, diffraction, and interference. It explores situations where the simple ray models of geometric optics don’t apply. This branch of optics examines the wave properties of light.
In wave optics, we sometimes use ray optics to make estimates about the light field on a surface. We then combine these estimates when dealing with mirrors, lenses, or openings to figure out how light scatters or passes through. We’ll delve deeper into wave optics for IIT JEE preparation in this section.
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Wave Optics Theories
Wave optics tells us about a famous disagreement between two big groups of scientists who wanted to understand light. One group thinks light acts like particles, while the other thinks it acts like waves.
Sir Isaac Newton believed in the idea that light is made of tiny particles called corpuscles. He said these particles move really fast from a light source and help us see by bouncing off our eyes.
With his particle theory, Newton could explain things like reflection and refraction. However, he couldn’t explain other light behaviors like interference, diffraction, and polarization. One big problem with Newton’s theory was that it couldn’t clarify why light slows down in denser materials compared to air or a vacuum.
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Wave Optics FAQs
What is called wave optics?
Wave optics deals with the study of light as waves rather than particles.
What is the principle of wave optics?
The principle of wave optics is that light waves can undergo interference, diffraction, and polarization.
What is the optical wave theory?
The optical wave theory explains how light behaves as waves when traveling through different mediums.
What is wave optics class 12 physics?
In Class 12 physics, wave optics covers topics like interference, diffraction, and polarization of light.
Which chapter comes under wave optics?
In Class 12 physics, the chapter on wave optics covers topics related to the behavior of light waves.
What is the wave theory Class 12?
The wave theory in Class 12 physics explains how light behaves as waves and the phenomena associated with it.
What is a wavefront Class 12 Ncert?
In Class 12 NCERT, a wavefront is defined as a surface containing all the points that are in the same phase of a wave.
