Formation of Stationary Waves The Principle of Superposition The principle of superposition states: When two or more waves with the same frequency arrive at a point, the resultant displaceme...
Polarisation Polarisation is when: Particle oscillations occur in only one of the directions perpendicular to the direction of wave propagation Polarisation can only occur in transverse wave...
Defining Transverse & Longitudinal Waves In mechanical waves, particles oscillate about fixed points There are two types of wave: transverse and longitudinal The type of wave can be dete...
Analysis of the Nature of Matter The Evolving Field of Quantum Mechanics The field of quantum mechanics is a relatively new field of research, compared to fields in classical mechanics (Newt...
Diffraction Effects of Momentum When electrons pass through a slit similar in size to themselves, they exhibit a wavelike property( Diffraction), meaning they spread out like a wave passing ...
The de Broglie Wavelength Using ideas based upon the quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of relativity, de Broglie suggested that the momentum (p) of a particle and its associated wavelengt...
Wave-Particle Duality Light can behave as a particle (i.e. photons) and a wave This phenomenon is called the wave-particle nature of light or wave-particle duality Light interacts with matte...
Line Spectra & Energy Levels Atomic Energy Levels Electrons in an atom can have only certain specific energies These energies are called electron energy levels They can be represe...
The Photoelectric Equation Since energy is always conserved, the energy of an incident photon is equal to: The work function + the maximum kinetic energy of the photoelectron The energy with...
