Light QUIZ

What is light primarily defined as?

• A type of mechanical wave

• A form of heat energy

• Electromagnetic radiation that can be seen

• A type of sound wave

Answer explanation

Light is primarily defined as electromagnetic radiation that can be seen by the human eye. This distinguishes it from other forms of energy, such as mechanical waves or sound waves, which are not visible.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following statements about wavelengths of light is true?

• All wavelengths are the same length.

• Wavelengths are measured in meters.

• Wavelengths do not affect how we see light.

• Different wavelengths correspond to different colors.

Answer explanation

Different wavelengths correspond to different colors, which is why we see a spectrum of colors in light. The other statements are incorrect as wavelengths vary, are measured in nanometers, and do affect our perception of light.

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If a light wave has a longer wavelength, what can you infer about its energy?

• It has variable energy.

• It has no energy.

• It has lower energy.

• It has higher energy.

Answer explanation

A light wave's energy is inversely related to its wavelength. Longer wavelengths correspond to lower energy, while shorter wavelengths have higher energy. Therefore, if a light wave has a longer wavelength, it has lower energy.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

If light travels at about 300,000 km/s in a vacuum, how does its speed compare to sound?

• Light travels slower than sound.

• Light travels faster than sound.

• They travel at the same speed.

• Sound travels faster than light.

Answer explanation

Light travels at about 300,000 km/s in a vacuum, while sound travels at approximately 343 m/s in air. This significant difference in speed shows that light travels much faster than sound.

If you were in a dark room and turned on a flashlight, what would happen to the light?

• It would be absorbed by the walls.

• It would reflect off the walls and illuminate the room.

• It would travel slower in the room.

• It would disappear immediately.

Answer explanation

When you turn on a flashlight in a dark room, the light will reflect off the walls, scattering and illuminating the space. This is why the correct answer is that it would reflect off the walls and illuminate the room.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

How does light travel through different materials?

• It travels faster in liquids than in gases.

• It only travels through transparent materials.

• It always travels at the same speed.

• It can be transmitted, absorbed, or reflected.

Answer explanation

Light can interact with materials in three ways: it can be transmitted (pass through), absorbed (taken in), or reflected (bounced back). This explains how light behaves in different materials, making this the correct choice.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the effect of distance on the perception of brightness?

• Brightness only depends on the color of the light.

• Brightness decreases as distance increases.

• Brightness remains constant regardless of distance.

• Brightness increases with distance.

Answer explanation

Brightness perception is influenced by distance; as the distance from a light source increases, the intensity of light reaching the observer decreases, leading to a decrease in perceived brightness.

What happens to light when it passes through a transparent material?

• It is completely absorbed.

• It is reflected back.

• It passes through and objects can be seen clearly.

• It changes color.

Answer explanation

When light passes through a transparent material, it is not absorbed or reflected back; instead, it continues through, allowing objects behind the material to be seen clearly. This is why the correct answer is that it passes through and objects can be seen clearly.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What does the term 'opaque' mean in relation to light?

• Reflects light without absorbing it.

• Scatters light in different directions.

• Blocks light completely.

• Allows light to pass through easily.

Answer explanation

The term 'opaque' refers to materials that block light completely, preventing it from passing through. This distinguishes it from transparent materials, which allow light to pass easily.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

What is the primary reason we can see objects around us?

• Because they emit sound.

• Because they reflect light into our eyes.

• Because they are hot.

• Because they absorb all light.

Answer explanation

We can see objects because they reflect light into our eyes. Light bounces off surfaces and enters our eyes, allowing us to perceive the objects around us. The other options do not explain visibility.

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