Physics Unit 3 Waves and Light (Formulae)

Wave Equation

v = fλ (Wave Speed = Frequency x Wavelength)

Frequency Period Relationship

f = 1 / T (Frequency = 1 / Period)

Law of Reflection

i = r (Angle of Incidence = Angle of Reflection)

Snell's Law (Refractive Index)

n = sin(i) / sin(r) (From air/vacuum into a medium)

Refractive Index and Wave Speed

n = v1 / v2 (Refractive Index = Speed in Medium 1 / Speed in Medium 2)

Refractive Index and Real/Apparent Depth

n = Real Depth / Apparent Depth

Critical Angle Formula

sin(c) = 1 / n (where c is the critical angle, n is refractive index)

Magnification Formula

m = v / u or m = Image Height / Object Height

Lens Formula

1/f = 1/u + 1/v (f = focal length, u = object distance, v = image distance)