7.6 Wave-Particle Duality of Light Questions

Front

What is wave-particle duality?

Back

Wave-particle duality is the concept in quantum mechanics that light and matter exhibit properties of both waves and particles.

Front

What does it mean when we say light has wave-like properties?

Back

Wave-like properties of light include phenomena such as interference and diffraction, where light behaves like a wave.

Front

What does it mean when we say light has particle-like properties?

Back

Particle-like properties of light refer to the concept that light can be thought of as being made up of particles called photons.

Front

How does the frequency of light relate to its energy?

Back

The energy of a photon is directly proportional to its frequency; as frequency increases, energy increases.

Front

What is a photon?

Back

A photon is a quantum of light or electromagnetic radiation, which carries energy and has no mass.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface that it cannot pass through.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the spreading of light waves when they encounter an obstacle or pass through a narrow opening.

Front

What is interference in the context of light?

Back

Interference is the phenomenon that occurs when two or more light waves overlap and combine, resulting in a new wave pattern.

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a prism?

Back

When light passes through a prism, it is refracted and separated into its constituent colors, creating a spectrum.