AP Physics 2 : Optics
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Physics 2
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Example Questions
Example Question #1 : Other Optics Principles
Malus' law:
Where 
Unpolarized light passes through a polarizer. It then passes through another polarizer at angle 
None of these
Use Malus' law.
The light's intensity is reduced by the final two polarizers. We will need to use Malus' law twice.
Where 
Combine equations:
Plug in values:
Example Question #2 : Other Optics Principles
Malus' law:
Where
Unpolarized light passes through a polarizer. It then passes through another polarizer at angle 
None of these
Use Malus' law.
The light's intensity is reduced by the final two polarizers. We will need to use Malus law twice.
Where 
Combine equations:
Plug in values:
Example Question #3 : Other Optics Principles
You are passing a ray of light through clear alcohol to determine properties. You shine the light ray exactly 
Suppose that the alcohol surface will completely reflect the incoming light beam like a mirror. At what angle will the angle of reflectance be to the normal of the surface of the alcohol?
Assuming the alcohol works like a perfect mirror, the angle of reflectance will equal the angle of incidence. Therefore, the angle of reflectance will be
Example Question #1 : Other Optics Principles
The diffraction of waves refers to the
phase change of 180 degrees that occurs on reflection of a wave at a fixed end
change in wavelength that occurs when two waves cross one another
spreading of waves from their initial line of travel
resultant disturbance of two or more waves at every point
slowing down of one wave in the presence of another
spreading of waves from their initial line of travel
Diffraction is the bending of light around an object. It is seen in the Double Slit experiment in which waves are spread out from their initial line of travel.
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