Waves Review - 2nd

Front

What type of wave requires a medium to travel?

Back

Sound waves require a medium to travel.

Front

Which type of electromagnetic wave has the highest frequency?

Back

Gamma rays emitted by radioactive materials have the highest frequency.

Front

What is the process called when light waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another?

Back

The process is called refraction.

Front

How did the observation of uranium salts affecting a plate covered by black paper change students' beliefs about light?

Back

The students had to revise their earlier belief because evidence from the experiment did not support the original conclusion.

Front

What phenomenon causes objects to appear distorted when viewed through water?

Back

Refraction causes objects to appear distorted when viewed through water.

Front

What is the difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?

Back

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel, while electromagnetic waves do not.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (or about 186,282 miles per second).

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency in electromagnetic waves?

Back

Wavelength and frequency are inversely related; as the wavelength increases, the frequency decreases, and vice versa.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection occurs when a wave hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the medium.

Front

What is the critical angle in optics?

Back

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