Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption

Front

What is absorption in the context of light waves?

Back

Absorption is the process by which light waves are captured in matter and converted into a different form of energy.

Front

Define the angle of incidence.

Back

The angle of incidence is the angle at which incoming light rays strike a surface.

Front

What happens to a light ray when it is reflected off a surface?

Back

When a light ray is reflected off a surface, it bounces back into the medium from which it came.

Front

State the law of reflection.

Back

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

What is a wave in physics?

Back

A wave is a repeating disturbance or vibration that transfers or moves energy from one place to another.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

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

Front

How does the speed of light change when it enters a denser medium?

Back

When light enters a denser medium, its speed decreases, causing it to bend towards the normal line.

Front

What is the normal line in the context of reflection and refraction?

Back

The normal line is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection occurs when light hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to be completely reflected back into the medium.

Front

What is the critical angle?

Back

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.