CBSE Class 12 Physics – Wave Optics

Chapter Overview

This chapter explores the wave nature of light using concepts like wavefronts, interference, diffraction, and polarisation. You'll learn Huygens' principle, superposition, Young’s double-slit, single-slit diffraction, Rayleigh criterion, and polarisation—understanding optical phenomena that ray optics can't explain. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Important Keywords

• Wavefront: Locus of points of same phase. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• Huygens-Fresnel Principle: Each point on wavefront acts as source of secondary wavelets. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Interference: Superposition of coherent light waves. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Diffraction: Bending of waves around obstacle/aperture. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Polarisation: Restriction of light oscillation direction. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Rayleigh Criterion: Resolution limit in optics. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}