Optics, Vibrations and Waves

This course studies the behaviour and properties of optical and particle waves. Geometrical Optics – reflection, refraction and dispersion; lensmaker’s equation; real and virtual images; cameras, telescope and microscope. Oscillations - Simple Harmonic Motion; relative phases; pendulums; damped and driven oscillations; phasor diagrams. Waves and Sound – Wave equation, characteristics of waves; wave attenuation; phase, group velocity; Huygen’s principle, superposition and interference; Sound waves and characteristics; beats; standing waves; Doppler effect. Wave Optics – electromagnetic waves; interference, diffraction; Young’s slits and diffraction grating; Limits of resolution; Interference in thin films; Scattering of light; Michelson’s interferometer; Spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, Bragg’s equation; Polarization; Brewster angle.