Flashcard: Fundamentals of Wave Optics and Cosmology — 18 carte

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.