Properties of Visible Light/Modeling Light Waves

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What is the definition of visible light?

Back

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be detected by the human eye, typically ranging from wavelengths of about 400 nm (violet) to 700 nm (red).

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NGSS.HS-PS4-4

Front

What is refraction?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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What is reflection?

Back

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

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is absorption in terms of light?

Back

Absorption is the process by which an object takes in light energy, converting it to other forms of energy, such as heat.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque materials?

Back

Transparent materials allow light to pass through clearly, translucent materials allow some light to pass but scatter it, and opaque materials do not allow any light to pass through.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What happens to light when it hits a black surface?

Back

A black surface absorbs most of the light that hits it, making it appear dark.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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 principle of superposition in light waves?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more light waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Front

What is the electromagnetic spectrum?

Back

The electromagnetic spectrum is the range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, including visible light, radio waves, infrared, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

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NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the color of light determined by?

Back

The color of light is determined by its wavelength; different wavelengths correspond to different colors.