Wave equations

As is always the case in Physics, there are plenty of wave equations you need to know for the exam!

v=fλ

velocity (m/s) = frequency (Hz) x Wavelength (m)

No explanation necessary - just plug in the right numbers.

f=¹⁄_T

frequency(Hz) = ¹⁄_{Wave period (s)}

The period of oscillation is the amount of time it takes for a whole wavelength to pass a point.

Refractive index: n=^c⁄_v

refractive index = ^{speed of light in a vacuum}⁄_{speed of light in the material}

As explained elsewhere, every material has a refractive index - which is a ratio of the speed of light through a material as compared to the speed through a vacuum.

Critical angle: sinC=^n₁⁄_n₂

critical angle = ^{refractive index of outside material}⁄_{refractive index of inside material}

The critical angle is the minimum angle a ray of light needs to hit the boundary of a material with, in order to totally reflect internally. This equation gives the angle in degrees.

For total internal reflection to be possible, the refractive index of n₁ must be lower than that of n₂

Double slit formula: λ=^ax⁄_D

wavelength = ^{slit separation x fringe separation}⁄_{distance to screen}

This equation applies to Young's double slit experiment on the diffraction patterns page.

Wave equations

v=fλ

f=1⁄T

Refractive index: n=c⁄v

Critical angle: sinC=n1⁄n2

Double slit formula: λ=ax⁄D

f=¹⁄_T

Refractive index: n=^c⁄_v

Critical angle: sinC=^n₁⁄_n₂

Double slit formula: λ=^ax⁄_D