Understanding Light Review 4

Front

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

Back

The light is bent by the water.

Front

What is the term for the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another?

Back

Refraction.

Front

What is reflection in terms of light?

Back

Reflection is when light bounces off a surface.

Front

What do we call the process of light being taken in by a material?

Back

Absorption.

Front

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing of light, while refraction is the bending of light.

Front

What is a common example of refraction?

Back

A straw appearing bent in a glass of water.

Front

What is the role of a prism in relation to light?

Back

A prism bends light and can separate it into different colors.

Front

What is the term for light that is spread out into a spectrum?

Back

Dispersion.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a smooth surface?

Back

It reflects in a predictable manner.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a rough surface?

Back

It scatters in many directions.