Properties of Visible Light/Modeling Light Waves

What causes the different colors of visible light in the electromagnetic spectrum?

Answer explanation

different wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-4

What can happen to light when it shines on an object?

Answer explanation

It can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through the object.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

A laser beam is pointed into a plane mirror using the setup shown in the diagram below. Describe how the light would behave if the laser beam entered along line 1.

Answer explanation

The line would be reflected out of the mirror along line V.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

How are reflected waves and refracted waves different?

Answer explanation

Reflected waves bounce back after striking an object; refracted waves change direction and pass through a different medium, causing the waves to change speeds.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What objects tend to reflect light, and what objects tend to refract light?

Answer explanation

Plain mirrors and other smooth surfaces reflect light. Light passing through different mediums, convex lenses, and prisms refract light.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Describe the path light travels.

Answer explanation

Light travels in a straight line except at surfaces between different transparent materials (air and water; air and glass) where the light path bends.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Describe the path light travels.

Answer explanation

Light travels in a straight line except at surfaces between different transparent materials (air and water; air and glass) where the light path bends.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

How do the wavelengths and frequencies of colors change when moving from red to violet through the visible light spectrum?

Answer explanation

At one end of the visible light spectrum, red has a longer wavelength and lower frequency. Moving towards the other end, the wavelengths get shorter and the frequencies get higher until reaching violet at the other end.

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS4-1

What is the relationship between the frequency of light and refraction?

Answer explanation

The amount or angle of refraction is dependent on the color or frequency of light hitting the surface of a new medium.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

How are electromagnetic waves different from sound or water waves?

Answer explanation

Electromagnetic waves can travel through space (no medium), but water waves and sound waves require a medium to travel through (mechanical waves).

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2