Cracking the SAT Physics Subject Test

Summary

For the test, be sure you are familiar with the following concepts from this chapter.

Light is a type of electromagnetic wave.

The electromagnetic spectrum is a categorization of electromagnetic waves by

their frequency orwavelength.

Interference can be constructive or destructive.

Young’s double-slit interference experiment shows the results of interference.

Reflection and refraction

Dispersion of light

Total internal reflection

Mirrors

Plane mirrors

Spherical mirrors

Ray tracing for mirrors

Use equations to answer questions about the image reflected in a mirror.

Thin lenses

Ray tracing for lenses

Use equations to answer questions about the image viewed through the lens.