Refraction, Reflection and Absorption

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.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

How does a prism separate white light into its component colors?

Back

A prism separates white light into its component colors through the process of refraction, as different colors of light bend at different angles.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is reflection in the context of light?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface that does not absorb the light.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the relationship between light and heat?

Back

Light is a form of energy that can create heat when it is absorbed by materials.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the critical angle in optics?

Back

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a denser to a less dense medium.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection is the phenomenon that occurs when light hits the boundary of a denser medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the denser medium.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the index of refraction?

Back

The index of refraction is a dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels in a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What happens to light when it passes from air into water?

Back

When light passes from air into water, it slows down and bends towards the normal line due to refraction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is absorption in the context of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which light energy is taken up by a material, converting it into other forms of energy, such as heat.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

How can you demonstrate the refraction of light?

Back

You can demonstrate the refraction of light by placing a straw in a glass of water and observing how it appears bent at the surface.

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