Properties of Light Flashcard

Front

What causes the sky to appear blue during the day?

Back

Blue light has a short wavelength and is scattered more by the atmosphere.

Front

What is an example of light scattering?

Back

A rainbow forming after rain.

Front

What property of light explains why shadows are formed?

Back

Light travels in straight lines.

Front

Why do we see different colors in a rainbow?

Back

Each color of light has a different wavelength, causing it to bend at different angles.

Front

Why does a white shirt appear white in sunlight?

Back

It reflects all colors of light equally.

Front

What is the definition of light scattering?

Back

The process by which light is forced to deviate from a straight path due to irregularities in the medium.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with different densities.

Front

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Back

Approximately 299,792 kilometers per second (km/s).

Front

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface, while refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different media.

Front

What is the visible spectrum?

Back

The range of wavelengths of light that can be seen by the human eye, typically from about 380 nm to 750 nm.