Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption

Front

What is reflection in terms of light?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in speed.

Front

What is absorption in the context of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which light is taken in by a material and converted to other forms of energy.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a rough surface?

Back

It scatters in many directions.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What happens to light when it passes from air into water?

Back

It slows down and bends towards the normal line.

Front

What color of light does a green leaf reflect?

Back

Green light; all other colors are absorbed.

Front

What is the normal line in optics?

Back

An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Front

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light, while refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different media.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

It occurs when light hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to be completely reflected back into the medium.