Unit 4 — Optics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Unit 4 · Optics, Electricity, and Magnetism
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Optics, Electricity, and Magnetism

Study geometric optics with mirrors and lenses, wave optics with diffraction and interference, static electricity, electric circuits, and magnetism.

6 chapters8–10 hoursAdvanced

Essential Question

How do electric and magnetic fields interact with matter and with each other to produce light, power circuits, and drive modern technology?

What You Will Learn

  • 1Apply the law of reflection and Snell's law to mirrors and lenses.
  • 2Analyze double-slit interference and single-slit diffraction patterns.
  • 3Apply Coulomb's law and describe electric fields and potential.
  • 4Use Ohm's law and Kirchhoff's rules to solve series and parallel circuits.
  • 5Calculate electric power and energy dissipation in resistors.
  • 6Apply Faraday's and Lenz's laws to electromagnetic induction.

Why It Matters

Electricity and magnetism are inseparable — together they produce light and power every electronic device. Understanding circuits is essential for engineering, while optics underpins cameras, telescopes, lasers, and fiber-optic communications.