Class 12 · Physics

Wave Optics

19 topics — from Wave Front & Type through Methods of Plarisation. Expect about 1 question in NEET — roughly 4 of 720 marks.

Updated 25 Aug 2026 19 topics Physics · Class 12
In short

Wave Optics is a Class 12 Physics chapter covering 19 topics. Expect about 1 question in NEET — roughly 4 of 720 marks.

19
Topics
In this chapter
1
Expected question
≈ 4 of 720 marks
12
Class
Physics
97
Chapters in the syllabus
27 in Physics

Topics covered #

19 topics, in teaching order.

  1. Wave Front & Type
  2. Huygen's Principle
  3. Principle of Superposition: I
  4. Principle of Superposition: II
  5. Coherent Sources
  6. Young's Double Slit Experiment
  7. YDSE with White Light
  8. Shape of Interference Rings
  9. Diffraction of Light & Single Slit Experiment
  10. Linear & Angular Width of Central Maxima
  11. Angular Position & Width of Maxima & Minima
  12. Difference b/w Interference & Diffraction
  13. Ray Optics as Limiting Case of Wave Optics
  14. Refraction (Wave Theory)
  15. Reflection (Wave Theory)
  16. Behaviour of Optical Pieces towards Plane Wavefront
  17. Polarisation of Light
  18. Law of Malus
  19. Methods of Plarisation

Weightage #

Expect about 1 question in NEET — roughly 4 of 720 marks.

1 of 180 questions · 4 of 720 marks
This chapter's share of the paper. Weightage is indicative — it reflects how many questions have typically come from here, not a guarantee for any single year.

Practise this chapter #

Reading it once is not the same as being able to answer it under time.

Practice questionsChapter-wise MCQs with solutions Video lecturesTopic-by-topic walkthroughs Chapter testExam-format, timed NEET previous-year questionsPast questions from this chapter AIIMS previous-year questionsOlder AIIMS papers, same syllabus

Next in Physics

← PreviousRay Optics and Optical Instruments

Frequently asked #

How many questions come from Wave Optics in NEET?
About 1 question — roughly 4 of the 720 marks available. It is a Class 12 Physics chapter.
What topics does this chapter cover?
19 topics — from Wave Front & Type through Methods of Plarisation. The full list is above.
Where can I practise Wave Optics?
Chapter-wise MCQs, video lectures, a timed chapter test, and both NEET and AIIMS previous-year questions — all linked above.