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Optics
The branch of physics which deals with light and its behavior is called Optics.
It is categorized into : Geometric Optics, Wave Optics and Quantum Optics
Geometrical Optics :
This branch of optics is treated by the method of light rays.
Under ordinary situations, light travels in straight lines. This reasonable assumption has led to a ray model. The straight line paths followed by light are called light rays.
The ray model is formed very successful in explaining phenomena like reflection, refraction and formation of images by mirrors and lenses.
Since these explanations involve straight line rays at various angles, it is called geometric optics (or ray optics).
Wave Optics :
This branch of optics is concerned with the nature of light and involves primarily the theory of waves. It deals with the phenomena like interference, diffraction, polarization etc.
It is also called physical optics.
Quantum Optics :
This branch of optics deals with the interaction of light with the atomic entities of matter.
It deals with such phenomena as photoelectric effect, atomic excitations etc.
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