Physical optics, also called wave optics, is the study of phenomena where light behaves like a classical wave and not like a ray or particle. A rainbow is a classic example of this, where different colors of light separate based on their wavelength. This also includes dispersion, the double-slit experiment showing interference, thin films, and polarization.

Table of contents:

• Dispersion
• The Double-Slit Experiment
• Thin Films
• Polarization