Light and Geometrical Optics Review

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and principles related to light and geometrical optics as outlined in the lecture notes.

What is Snell's law and its formula?

Snell's law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction. The formula is n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2.

What is the refractive index?

The refractive index, denoted as n, is a dimensionless number that describes how fast light propagates through a medium compared to a vacuum.

What phenomenon occurs when light travels from a denser to a less dense medium?

Refraction, which causes objects to appear shallower than they are.

Describe the difference between a real image and a virtual image.

A real image is formed when light rays converge and can be projected on a screen, while a virtual image is formed where light rays appear to diverge from and cannot be projected.

What are the three principal rays used to construct images with mirrors?

Ray 1 is parallel to the axis and reflects through the focal point (F). Ray 2 passes through the focal point before reflecting parallel to the axis. Ray 3 passes through the center of curvature (C) and reflects back on itself.

What is the significance of the critical angle in total internal reflection?

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs when light moves from a denser to a less dense medium.

What effect does polarization have on light waves?

Polarization restricts the direction of electric fields in light waves, resulting in plane polarized light that travels in one direction.

What type of lens is used to correct hyperopia?

Converging lenses are used to correct hyperopia, or farsightedness, by adjusting the focusing power to the retina.

What is the absorption of light?

Absorption occurs when light interacts with an atom at its natural frequency, exciting electrons and converting light energy into thermal energy.

What is a laser and its key characteristics?

A laser is a device that produces a beam of highly coherent, monochromatic light through stimulated emission, with photons of the same energy, frequency, and phase.

What is the theory of relativity?

The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, comprises two parts: special relativity and general relativity, fundamentally changing our understanding of space, time, and gravity.

What is the concept of natural selection?

Natural selection is a process in evolutionary theory where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

What is the big bang theory?

The big bang theory is the leading cosmological model that describes the early development of the universe, stating it began from a singular point and has been expanding ever since.

What is the theory of plate tectonics?

The theory of plate tectonics explains the structure and movement of the Earth's lithosphere, which is divided into tectonic plates that rest on the semi-fluid asthenosphere.

What is quantum theory?

Quantum theory is a fundamental theory in physics that describes how matter and energy behave on atomic and subatomic levels, introducing concepts such as quantization of energy and wave-particle duality.