A Level Physics. Waves: reflection, refraction & etc.

When a wave encounters a boundary between two media, the change in direction of the wave is known as...

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Polarisation

We see the objects around us due to the fact that the light gets...

• ...refracted of them.

• ...reflected of them.

What is the primary factor that determines whether a wave will be transmitted, reflected, or refracted when it encounters a boundary between two media?

• wavelength

• frequency

• amplitude

• velocity

Answer explanation

The wavelength is a primary factor because it determines how a wave interacts with the features of a boundary. When the wavelength is much smaller than the features of the boundary, the wave tends to propagate smoothly through the medium. If the wavelength is comparable to the features of the boundary, diffraction and other effects become more pronounced, influencing transmission, reflection, and refraction.

Which of the following best describes wave transmission?

• The bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another.

• The bouncing back of waves when they encounter a boundary.

• The passing of waves through a medium or across a boundary without being reflected or absorbed.

• The redirection of waves due to obstacles in their path.

Is it true then that transmission & reflection can't happen at the same time?

• True

• False

What happens to the speed of light waves when they pass from air (less optically dense) to glass (more optically dense)?

• The speed decreases.

• The speed increases.

• The speed remains constant.

• The speed becomes zero.

Upon passing to a more optically dense medium the speed of the wave decreases along with...

• ...the frequency.

• ...the wavelength.

Polarised sunglasses are designed to reduce glare by selectively blocking light waves that oscillate in which direction?

• Perpendicular to the direction of propagation.

• In a random direction.

• Parallel to the direction of propagation.

• At an angle of 45 degrees to the direction of propagation.

Which component of the EM wave undergoes the polarisation upon passing through the filter?

• Electric

• Magnetic

• Both

• Mostly electric

• Mostly magnetic

Total internal reflection is only possible when the wave is...

• ...trying to get from a less optically dense medium to a more optically dense one.

• ...trying to get from a more optically dense medium to a less optically dense one.