Wave Optics – Class 12 HSC Physics Notes
7.1 Introduction
Wave optics explains the phenomena of light using its wave nature. It addresses events that
cannot be explained by ray optics, such as interference, diffraction, and polarization.
7.2 Wavefront and Rays
A wavefront is the locus of points in a medium which vibrate in the same phase. Types:
Spherical wavefront: from point source.
Plane wavefront: from a source at infinite distance.
Cylindrical wavefront: from a linear source.
Ray: The direction of propagation, perpendicular to the wavefront.
Figure 1: Types of wavefronts and rays.
7.3 Huygens’ Principle
Every point on a wavefront acts as a secondary source emitting spherical wavelets.
The new wavefront is found as the envelope of these secondary wavelets.
Figure 2: Huygens’ principle constructing new wavefronts with secondary wavelets.
7.4 Reflection and Refraction of Plane Waves
Laws of reflection and refraction explained using Huygens’ principle.
Reflection: Angle of incidence = angle of reflection.
Refraction (Snell’s Law):
Figure 3: Reflection and refraction explained by wavefronts.
7.5 Interference of Light
Superposition of two coherent light waves yields bright (maximum) and dark (minimum)
fringes:
Constructive interference: Phase difference (Bright fringe)
Destructive interference: Phase difference (Dark fringe)
Path difference ( ): Related to phase difference .
7.6 Young’s Double Slit Experiment (YDSE)
Two slits act as coherent sources.
Interference pattern of alternate bright and dark bands seen on screen.
Fringe width:
: Distance to screen
: Distance between slits
: Wavelength
Figure 4: Young’s double slit experiment (YDSE) and interference pattern.
7.7 Shifting of Fringe Pattern
Inserting a thin film of refractive index and thickness in front of one slit
introduces extra path difference .
Fringe pattern shifts accordingly.
Figure 5: Fringe shift due to thin film.
7.8 Diffraction of Light
Diffraction is the bending of light around obstacles and aperture edges:
Single slit diffraction: Central bright maximum, diminishing wider secondary
bands.
Double slit diffraction: Superposition of interference and diffraction patterns.
Figure 6: Single slit diffraction pattern.
7.9 Comparison of Interference and Diffraction
Feature Interference Diffraction
1 source (secondary
Source 2 coherent sources
wavelets)
Fringe All bright/dark bands are Width decreases with
width almost equal order
Intensity All maxima similar Central max is brightest
Table 1: Comparison of interference and diffraction.
7.10 Polarization of Light
Natural light: Oscillations in all directions perpendicular to propagation
Polarized light: Oscillations restricted to one plane
Malus’ Law:
Figure 7: Polarization using polaroid.
7.11 Doppler’s Effect in Light (Overview)
Relative motion creates frequency shift in observed light:
Source moving away: Red shift
Source approaching: Blue shift
7.12 Solved Examples and Exercises
Example (Interference)
Two slits separated by mm, screen m away, light wavelength nm. Calculate
fringe width.
mm.
Example (Diffraction)
Central maximum width in single-slit diffraction for slit width , screen distance ,
and is .
7.x: All Subtopics Covered
Huygens’ construction and consequences
Formation of image using wave theory
Laws derived from wave optics
Applications in daily life (thin films, soap bubbles, sunglasses)
Concept of coherence
Calculating fringe width and shift
Modern experimental setups (laser, monochromatic sources)
References
[1] Maharashtra State Board Class 12 Physics Book, Chapter 7 – Wave Optics, 2024 edition.
[2] Vedantu, “Revision Notes for Class 12 Physics Chapter 10 – Wave Optics”, [Link]
[Link]/content-files-downloadable/revision-notes/cbse-class-12-physics-notes-chapter-1
[Link]
[3] [Link], "Young’s double slit experiment," [Link]
[4] Teachoo, "Fringe shift due to thin film," [Link]
[5] NCERT, "Wave Optics," [Link]
[6] [Link], "Polarization Physics Class 12,"
[Link]