Wave Interactions and Properties

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, changing speed.

Front

What happens to light when it travels from air to water?

Back

Light refracts, or bends, when it moves from air (less dense) to water (more dense).

Front

What is wavelength?

Back

Wavelength is the distance between two consecutive peaks of a wave, determining its color in the case of light.

Front

Which type of wave has the shortest wavelength: radio waves, visible light, or gamma rays?

Back

Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength.

Front

What is the relationship between wavelength and frequency?

Back

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

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 (km/s).

Front

What is the difference between a transparent, translucent, and opaque material?

Back

Transparent materials allow light to pass through clearly, translucent materials allow some light but not detailed images, and opaque materials do not allow light to pass through.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

Can sound waves be reflected?

Back

Yes, sound waves can also be reflected, similar to light waves.