Light and Spectrum Quiz

A student places a pencil in a glass of water and observes that the pencil appears to be broken. Which of these provides the best explanation for why the pencil appears broken?

• The pencil absorbs all the light rays that hit it.

• Water reflects light rays away from the pencil.

• Light rays are bent by the water in the glass.

• The surface of the water reflects light rays.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

The illustration shows the path of a laser leaving a laser pointer. At what point is the laser being absorbed?

• A

• B

• C

• D

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

The distance from Earth to the moon can be accurately calculated by pointing high-powered lasers onto the moon’s surface. What device did astronauts on the Apollo 11 mission place on the moon to make this possible?

• A telescope

• A laser reflector

• A satellite dish

• A solar panel

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why does a straw appear bent when placed in a glass of water?

• The straw absorbs light.

• The water changes the color of the straw.

• Light refracts as it passes from air to water.

• The straw reflects light differently in water.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following best describes why a coin at the bottom of a pool appears closer than it actually is?

• The coin reflects more light underwater.

• Water magnifies the coin.

• Light bends as it moves from water to air.

• The coin absorbs less light underwater.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What happens to light when it passes through a prism?

• It is absorbed completely.

• It is reflected back.

• It is refracted and separated into colors.

• It remains unchanged.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which of the following explains why a fish in a pond appears to be at a different position than it actually is?

• The fish emits light.

• Water reflects the fish's image.

• Light refracts as it travels from water to air.

• The fish absorbs light.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

When a beam of light passes through a glass block, what happens to its speed?

• It speeds up.

• It slows down.

• It remains constant.

• It stops completely.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why does a diamond sparkle more than a piece of glass?

• Diamonds absorb more light.

• Diamonds have a higher refractive index.

• Glass reflects more light.

• Glass absorbs more light.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

What is the main reason a rainbow forms in the sky?

• Light is absorbed by raindrops.

• Light is reflected by clouds.

• Light is refracted and dispersed by raindrops.

• Light is blocked by the sun.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept