Chapter 10: Wave Optics
A full-chapter revision worksheet covering Huygens' principle, interference, diffraction, and polarisation of light. Total: 45 marks.
Section A: Foundational Concepts [10 Marks]
Answer the following questions about the fundamental principles of wave optics.
Who proposed the wave theory of light in 1678?
What was a primary reason for the initial non-acceptance of the wave theory of light?
According to the corpuscular model of light, the speed of light would be greater in a denser medium if the light ray bends towards the normal.
The wave theory of light correctly predicts that the speed of light is less in a denser medium than in a rarer medium.
Section B: Huygens' Principle [10 Marks]
Apply Huygens' principle to explain wave phenomena.
Draw a diagram to show the shape of the emergent wavefront when a plane wavefront is incident on a thin convex lens.
Section C: Interference of Light [12 Marks]
Answer questions related to the superposition and interference of light waves.
Section D: Diffraction [6 Marks]
Explore the phenomenon of light bending around obstacles.
Section E: Polarisation [7 Marks]
Answer questions about the transverse nature of light waves.