Waves & Optics with Practicals" by Rajesh Kumar Verma and Vinod Kumar Singh is a comprehensive and student-friendly textbook tailored for B.Sc. 2nd and 3rd semester students pursuing Physics major and minor under the FYUGP NEP syllabus. This book is aligned with the academic framework of Dibrugarh University, Gauhati University, and other Indian universities.

The book offers a lucid explanation of wave phenomena, principles of optics, and related experimental techniques. Special emphasis is laid on practical applications through a well-structured section of laboratory experiments, helping students to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and hands-on experience. It includes:

• Detailed chapters on wave motion, sound, interference, diffraction, polarization, and optical instruments

• Step-by-step explanations of core physics experiments

• Illustrations, solved examples, and practice problems

• Aligned with NEP’s interdisciplinary and skill-based approach

Published by Mahaveer Publications, this textbook is an ideal companion for undergraduate learners aiming to build strong conceptual clarity and practical competence in Waves and Optics.

DETAILED SYLLABUS OF 3RD SEMESTER CORE COURSE

COURSE CODE: PHC-204

SEMESTER-I

DIBRUGARH UNIVERSITY

Total Marks: 100 (Theory: 94, Practical: 02)
No of Credits: 06

CONTENTS

UNIT 1

Superposition of Collinear Harmonic Oscillations (6 Lectures)

• Simple harmonic motion (SHM) and Superposition Principle
• Superposition of two collinear oscillations having:
  • (1) equal frequencies and (2) different frequencies (Beats)
• Superposition of N collinear Harmonic Oscillations with:
  • (1) equal phase differences and (2) equal frequency differences

Superposition of Two Perpendicular Harmonic Oscillations (6 Lectures)

• Graphical and Analytical Methods
• Lissajous Figures with equal and unequal frequencies and their uses

Wave Motion (2 Lectures)

• Plane and Spherical Waves
• Longitudinal and Transverse Waves
• Progressive (Travelling) Waves
• Wave Equation, Particle and Wave Velocities
• Pressure of a Longitudinal Wave
• Energy Transport, Intensity of Wave

Superposition of Two Harmonic Waves (4 Lectures)

• Standing (Stationary) Waves in a String: Fixed and Free Ends
• Analytical Treatment, Phase and Group Velocities
• Changes with respect to Position and Time
• Energy of Vibrating String
• Transfer of Energy, Normal Modes of Stretched String
• Longitudinal Standing Waves and Normal Modes
• Open and Closed Pipes
• Superposition of N Harmonic Waves

UNIT 2

Wave Optics: Electromagnetic Nature of Light (8 Lectures)

• Definition and properties of wave front
• Huygens Principle
• Temporal and Spatial Coherence

Interference (4 Lectures)

• Division of amplitude and wavefront
• Young's double slit experiment
• Lloyd's Mirror and Fresnel's Biprism
• Phase change on reflection: Stokes' treatment
• Interference in Thin Films: parallel and wedge-shaped films
• Fringes of equal inclination (Haidinger Fringes)
• Fringes of equal thickness (Fizeau Fringes)
• Newton's Rings: Measurement of wavelength and refractive index

Interferometer (10 Lectures)

• Michelson Interferometer:
  • (1) Idea of form of fringes (No theory required)
  • (2) Determination of Wavelength
  • (3) Wavelength Difference
  • (4) Refractive Index
  • (5) Visibility of Fringes
• Fabry-Perot interferometer

UNIT 3 - Diffraction (6 Lectures)

Fraunhofer Diffraction

• Single slit, Rectangular and Circular aperture, Resolving Power of telescope
• Double slit, Multiple slits, Diffraction grating, Resolving power of grating

Fresnel Diffraction (10 Lectures)

• Fresnel's Assumptions, Fresnel's Half-Period Zones for Plane Wave
• Explanation of Rectilinear Propagation of Light
• Theory of a Zone Plate, Multiple Fresnel Zone Plate
• Fresnel's Integral, Cornu spiral and its applications
• Straight edge, a slit and a wire

Practical: 60 Hours (10 Lectures)

Dedicated demonstration cum laboratory session on the construction and use of spectrometer and lasers, and necessary precautions during their use.

Sessions on the review of experimental data analysis, sources of error and their estimation in detail, writing of scientific laboratory reports including proper reporting of errors. Application to the specific experiments done in the lab.

At least 06 experiments from the following:

1. To determine the frequency of an electric tuning fork by Melde's experiment and verify λ=T law.
2. To investigate the motion of coupled oscillators.
3. To study Lissajous Figures.
4. Familiarization with: Schuster's focusing; determination of angle of prism.
5. To determine refractive index of the Material of a prism using sodium source.
6. To determine the dispersive power and Cauchy constants of the material of a prism using mercury source.
7. To determine the wavelength of sodium source using Michelson's interferometer.
8. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Fresnel Biprism.
9. To determine wavelength of sodium light using Newton's Rings.
10. To determine the thickness of a thin paper by measuring the width of the interference fringes produced by a wedge-shaped Film.
11. To determine wavelength of (1) Na source and (2) spectral lines of Hg source using 14 plane diffraction grating.
12. To determine dispersive power and resolving power of a plane diffraction grating.