Light waves review

Front

What is amplitude in a wave?

Back

Amplitude is the maximum distance that a wave varies from its rest position. It is related to the energy of the wave; higher amplitude means more energy.

Front

What happens to frequency when wavelength decreases?

Back

When wavelength decreases, frequency increases. This is because frequency and wavelength are inversely related.

Front

What are the three main behaviors of light when it strikes an object?

Back

Light can be reflected, refracted, or absorbed when it strikes an object.

Front

What type of electromagnetic radiation can we feel as heat?

Back

Infrared waves produce the heat we can feel, such as from a toaster.

Front

Which type of wave has the longest wavelength?

Back

Radio waves have the longest wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Front

What is the relationship between energy and frequency in electromagnetic waves?

Back

Higher frequency waves have higher energy. For example, gamma rays have the highest frequency and energy.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, changing its speed.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface that it cannot pass through.

Front

What is absorption in terms of light?

Back

Absorption is when light is taken in by an object and converted to other forms of energy, such as heat.

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays.