Unit 10: Light

Front

What accounts for differences between EM waves such as radio waves and x-rays?

Back

Differences in frequency and wavelength.

Front

True or False: Light contains properties of both waves and particles.

Back

True.

Front

What is polarization of light?

Back

Polarization is the orientation of the oscillations of light waves in a particular direction.

Front

What is the angle of incidence?

Back

The angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence.

Front

What is the difference between translucent, transparent, and opaque materials?

Back

Translucent materials allow some light to pass through, transparent materials allow all light to pass through, and opaque materials do not allow light to pass through.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a reflective surface?

Back

It bounces back according to the law of reflection.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

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