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Light as a wave

What students will learn

Use electromagnetic-wave and phase models to explain polarization, diffraction, and interference patterns.

Before this topic

  • Wave superposition and boundary behavior
  • Electric and magnetic field directions
  • Refraction, index, wavelength, and small-angle geometry

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Unit 14: Waves, Sound, and Physical Optics

Read and connect

  1. Read: Electromagnetic Waves →

    Connect electromagnetic field directions, vacuum propagation, and spectrum ordering.

  2. Supporting reading: Boundary Behavior of Waves and Polarization →

    Revisit polarization and boundary behavior for transverse light before comparing optical patterns.

    Before this connection: Transverse and longitudinal waves; Refraction and wave phase.

  3. Supporting reading: Wave Interference and Standing Waves →

    Reuse signed superposition and relative phase as the basis of optical interference.

    Before this connection: Periodic waves and phase; Boundary reflection.

  4. Read: Diffraction →

    Connect opening size and path cancellation with single-slit diffraction patterns.

  5. Read: Double-Slit Interference and Diffraction Gratings →

    Distinguish fine double-slit or grating directions from a finite-slit diffraction envelope.

  6. Read: Thin-Film Interference →

    Combine optical path and reflection phase, then state the amplitude condition needed for complete cancellation.

Check understanding

Use the complete prompt to make student reasoning visible, then consult the separate worked reasoning and criteria. A reading completion tick records reading history.

Standards and earlier reading lists

These topic placements organize reading. Edition-qualified Standards mappings and the existing complete unit task sets retain their reviewed scope.

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