Optics and Waves

  1. Wave Behavior and Interactions
    1. Principle of Superposition
      1. Linear Superposition
        1. Mathematical Formulation
          1. Conditions for Validity
          2. Wave Interference
            1. Constructive Interference
              1. Conditions
                1. Phase Relationships
                2. Destructive Interference
                  1. Conditions
                    1. Phase Relationships
                    2. Partial Interference
                      1. Path Difference
                        1. Phase Difference
                        2. Beats
                          1. Formation Mechanism
                            1. Beat Frequency
                              1. Mathematical Analysis
                                1. Applications
                                  1. Tuning Instruments
                                    1. Frequency Measurement
                                  2. Standing Waves
                                    1. Formation Process
                                      1. Interference of Opposite Waves
                                        1. Boundary Reflections
                                        2. Nodes and Antinodes
                                          1. Fixed Points
                                            1. Maximum Displacement Points
                                              1. Spacing Relationships
                                              2. Standing Wave Patterns
                                                1. Harmonics and Modes
                                                  1. Fundamental Mode
                                                    1. Higher Harmonics
                                                      1. Overtones
                                                      2. Resonance Conditions
                                                        1. Boundary Constraints
                                                          1. Allowed Frequencies
                                                        2. Wave Reflection
                                                          1. Law of Reflection
                                                            1. Angle Relationships
                                                              1. Phase Changes
                                                                1. Hard Boundary Reflection
                                                                  1. Soft Boundary Reflection
                                                                  2. Reflection Coefficients
                                                                  3. Wave Refraction
                                                                    1. Change in Direction
                                                                      1. Change in Speed
                                                                        1. Snell's Law for Waves
                                                                          1. Refraction Index
                                                                          2. Wave Diffraction
                                                                            1. Bending Around Obstacles
                                                                              1. Huygens' Principle
                                                                                1. Diffraction Conditions
                                                                                  1. Aperture Effects
                                                                                  2. Wave Dispersion
                                                                                    1. Frequency-Dependent Speed
                                                                                      1. Normal Dispersion
                                                                                        1. Anomalous Dispersion
                                                                                          1. Group Velocity vs Phase Velocity

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                                                                                        2. Wave Fundamentals

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                                                                                        4. Mechanical Waves