Light Waves Review

Front

What happens to energy as frequency increases?

Back

The energy increases.

Front

How do astronomers measure the distance to the Moon using lasers?

Back

They time how long it takes the laser to bounce back from the Moon, divide that time by 2, and then multiply it by the speed of light.

Front

What is the relationship between frequency (f), wavelength (λ), and the speed of light (c)?

Back

f × λ = c (the speed of light).

Front

What can be concluded if a beam of light bends more when passing from water to glass than from air to water?

Back

Glass is denser than water.

Front

What is a common characteristic of all electromagnetic waves?

Back

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum.

Front

Define wavelength in the context of light waves.

Back

Wavelength is the distance between successive peaks of a wave.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 3 x 10^8 m/s.

Front

What is refraction in the context of light waves?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

Front

What is the effect of a medium's density on the speed of light?

Back

Light travels slower in denser media.

Front

What is the formula to calculate the speed of light using frequency and wavelength?

Back

Speed of light (c) = frequency (f) × wavelength (λ).