Abstract
In this chapter, we study dispersive waves. Examples of these are the waves on the surface of water and the electromagnetic waves in a transparent medium. Dispersive waves, when monochromatic, propagate with a phase velocity that depends on wavelength, where they change shape while they propagate if they are not monochromatic. We introduce the concepts of group velocity and energy propagation velocity. We see how light velocities have been measured and study the phenomena of reflection, refraction and dispersion. We also discuss the physical origin of the refractive index.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Bettini, A. (2017). Dispersion. In: A Course in Classical Physics 4 - Waves and Light. Undergraduate Lecture Notes in Physics. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48329-0_4
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-48329-0_4
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-319-48328-3
Online ISBN: 978-3-319-48329-0
eBook Packages: Physics and AstronomyPhysics and Astronomy (R0)