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.