Good resource for understanding light waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding light waves, specifically focusing on the phenomena of diffraction and interference as encountered in a general physics class. Participants express their struggles with optics and seek resources for better comprehension, particularly illustrations and explanations of the underlying concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion regarding the concepts of light waves and seeks resources for better understanding, particularly illustrations related to diffraction.
  • Another participant suggests that the original query pertains to "diffraction" rather than "interference," indicating a common struggle with optics.
  • A later reply acknowledges a prior misunderstanding between diffraction and refraction, highlighting the complexity of these concepts.
  • Some participants share a general disdain for optics, suggesting it is a common sentiment among students and postgraduates.
  • There is a humorous exchange about the nature of physics, with references to the idea of "shut up and calculate" as a recurring theme in the discipline.
  • One participant requests additional context by asking for a picture or a trig formula to better assist in understanding the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the difficulty of optics and the confusion surrounding the concepts of diffraction and refraction. However, there is no consensus on the best way to approach learning these topics, and multiple views on the nature of physics calculations are presented.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the definitions and distinctions between diffraction and refraction, and there is an acknowledgment of the limitations of textbook illustrations. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and interpretations of optics concepts.

Who May Find This Useful

Students struggling with optics in physics courses, educators seeking to understand common student challenges, and individuals interested in the conceptual foundations of light wave phenomena.

meni
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In a general physics class, one of the things we are studying is light waves. Optics is my biggest struggle within physics anyway, and now my book is explaining what happens when a laser is pointed through a barrier with holes on it. It includes some trigonometric formulas for...I don't even get what the formulas are for.

I'm very lost on this part, so I was hoping someone could point me to a website, or maybe even a book I can get at the library that explains this phenomenon. I think part of the problem is just that I need a good illustration. The illustrations in my textbook are clunky and cluttered and I can't really see what is going on.

I tried googling, but I can't really find anything, probably in part because I'm not sure what exactly to google. The section heading is just called "Interference," but that applies to all sorts of stuff with waves.

I appreciate any help!
 
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I believe you want "diffraction".

Don't worry, I think every single one of us hates optics with a passion. At least, everyone I know that went on to postgrad did...
 
Ah! Google seems to know what I'm looking for when I search for diffraction. We did diffraction in the previous physics course, but it was just about what happens when you shine a light from one material through to the other. I probably should have made the connection, but I didn't. Thank you. :-)

And I'm glad I'm not the only one who hates optics!
 
No, that's refraction. These are different phenomena. Refraction, I have no clue as to how it works. Diffraction on the other hand is simple enough. I have no clue as to how it works either.

Shut up and calculate :rolleyes:
 
Oh, I see. Thanks for the correction.
 
Oh, optics is not always that bad. You get to play with lasers.
 
dst said:
Shut up and calculate :rolleyes:

That's physics in general. I have the feeling that - especially in modern physics - one first calculates, and then tries to assign a meaning to the answer. Which may be - especially in modern physics - infinite.
 
CompuChip said:
That's physics in general. I have the feeling that - especially in modern physics - one first calculates, and then tries to assign a meaning to the answer. Which may be - especially in modern physics - infinite.

In other cases it tends to be more of "pour some liquid nitrogen on this 30kV arc lamp and THEN shut up and calculate". This is just drab.
 
meni said:
In a general physics class, one of the things we are studying is light waves. Optics is my biggest struggle within physics anyway, and now my book is explaining what happens when a laser is pointed through a barrier with holes on it. It includes some trigonometric formulas for...I don't even get what the formulas are for.

I'm very lost on this part, so I was hoping someone could point me to a website, or maybe even a book I can get at the library that explains this phenomenon. I think part of the problem is just that I need a good illustration. The illustrations in my textbook are clunky and cluttered and I can't really see what is going on.

I tried googling, but I can't really find anything, probably in part because I'm not sure what exactly to google. The section heading is just called "Interference," but that applies to all sorts of stuff with waves.

I appreciate any help!

Can you post either a picture or one of the trig formulas? That would provide some context. Those of us who not only enjoy optics, but make our living by it, would be able to better assist.
 

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