Unit 3: Light Waves

Front

What is a light wave?

Back

A light wave is an electromagnetic wave that is visible to the human eye, responsible for the sense of sight.

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks (or troughs) of a wave, usually measured in meters.

Front

What is amplitude?

Back

Amplitude is the height of the wave from its rest position to its peak, indicating the energy of the wave.

Front

What happens to the wavelength when the amplitude of a light wave increases?

Back

The wavelength stays the same.

Front

Why do plants appear green?

Back

Plants appear green because they reflect green light and absorb other colors of light for photosynthesis.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

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

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 300,000 km/s).

Front

What is the difference between a laser and a regular light source?

Back

A laser produces light that is coherent, monochromatic, and directional, while regular light sources emit light in multiple directions and colors.

Front

What is reflection in terms of light waves?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light waves when they hit a surface that does not absorb the light.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another, due to a change in speed.