Wave Interference & Double-Slit
Explore Young's double-slit experiment demonstrating wave interference and the wave nature of light. Visualize constructive interference (bright fringes) where path difference equals integer wavelengths (dsin θ = mλ) and destructive interference (dark fringes) at half-wavelength differences. Calculate fringe spacing, understand how wavelength and slit separation affect patterns, and explore single-slit diffraction. This experiment provided crucial evidence for light's wave properties.
Refraction & Snell's Law
Explore light refraction at interfaces between media using Snell's Law: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, where n is the refractive index. Understand that light bends toward the normal when entering denser media (higher n) and away when entering less dense media. Visualize total internal reflection (TIR) occurring when light travels from high to low index at angles exceeding the critical angle θc = sin⁻¹(n₂/n₁). Apply to fiber optics, prisms, and mirages.