Reflection and Refraction Quiz

What atmospheric phenomenon causes starlight to appear to twinkle?

• Reflection

• Diffraction

• Refraction

• Absorption

The bending of light around massive objects in space, like galaxies, is known as:

• Specular reflection

• Diffuse reflection

• Gravitational lensing (refraction)

• Total internal reflection

How does sunlight primarily reflect off a smooth, icy surface like Europa?

• Diffusely

• Specularly

• Selectively

• Retroreflectively

Why does a rainbow form when sunlight passes through raindrops?

• Only reflection occurs.

• Only diffraction occurs.

• Both reflection and refraction occur.

• Only absorption occurs.

Which type of telescope uses mirrors to focus light from distant objects?

• Refracting telescope

• Spectrometer

• Reflecting telescope

• Prism

What causes the 'mirage' effect on hot planets with dense atmospheres?

• Reflection off the surface.

• Refraction through varying air densities.

• Diffraction around surface features.

• Absorption by atmospheric gases.

When light enters a planet's atmosphere from space, it generally:

• Speeds up and bends away from the normal.

• Slows down and bends towards the normal.

• Speeds up and does not bend.

• Slows down and does not bend.

What optical phenomenon causes a halo around the Sun or Moon?

• Total internal reflection

• Refraction and reflection

• Diffraction only

• Absorption only.

What property of light allows a prism to separate white light into its component colors?

• Reflection

• Diffraction

• Dispersion (refraction)

• Interference

The light-gathering capability of a telescope is primarily determined by the:

• Magnification of the eyepiece.

• Diameter of the objective mirror or lens.

• Length of the telescope tube.

• Color of the telescope.