Travelling wave — definition?
A disturbance propagating energy without matter transport.
Wave speed relation?
v = f λ, relates speed, frequency, wavelength.
Transverse wave — displacement?
Displacement is perpendicular to propagation direction.
Longitudinal wave — displacement?
Displacement is parallel to propagation direction.
Wavefronts — purpose?
Visualize wave propagation and phase.
Reflection — wave property?
Wave bounces, angle of incidence equals angle of reflection.
Refraction — mechanism?
Wave bends due to speed change across media.
Refractive index — formula?
n = c / v, ratio of light speeds.
Critical angle — defines?
Angle above which total internal reflection occurs.
Principal focus — in a lens?
Point where parallel rays converge after refraction.
Optical center — role?
Point where rays pass undeviated.
Focal length — distance?
From optical center to principal focus.
Electromagnetic spectrum — order?
Radio, micro, infrared, visible, UV, X-ray, gamma.
Speed of EM waves?
Same in vacuum, approximately 3×10^8 m/s.
Solar system model?
Sun-centered (heliocentric) model.
Stellar evolution — driver?
Star's mass determines its life cycle.
Total internal reflection — condition?
Incidence angle > critical angle, in denser to rarer medium.
Fibre optics — principle?
Guides light via internal reflection for communication.
Test your knowledge with 18 questions on Fundamentals of Wave Optics and Cosmology.
1. What does the relation v = fbb describe for a travelling wave?
2. In a fixed medium where wave speed stays constant, what happens to the wavelength if the frequency increases?
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