Physics · Theme C: Wave behaviour

C.3 — Wave phenomena

Physics · SL / HL · syllabus-mapped notes

1. Reflection, refraction and diffraction

   Wavefronts and rays, wave behaviour at boundaries, and diffraction around bodies and apertures.

2. Snell’s law and total internal reflection

   Refraction with Snell’s law, the critical angle and total internal reflection.

3. Interference and Young’s double slit

   Superposition, coherent sources, the interference conditions, and the double-slit equation.

4. Single-slit diffraction and gratings

   Single-slit diffraction and intensity, its modulation of the double-slit pattern, and diffraction gratings.