Fundamentals of Light

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes the difference between luminous and illuminated objects?

• Luminous objects reflect light, illuminated objects emit light.

• Luminous objects emit their own light, illuminated objects reflect light from other sources.

• Luminous objects absorb light, illuminated objects transmit light.

• Luminous objects are always brighter than illuminated objects.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about the electromagnetic spectrum is correct?

• Visible light is the only type of electromagnetic wave.

• Electromagnetic waves include radio waves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

• Electromagnetic waves are only magnetic in nature.

• Electromagnetic waves cannot travel through a vacuum.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following best describes how the colors of visible light differ from each other?

• They have different frequencies, wavelengths, and energies.

• They all have the same frequency and wavelength.

• They are distinguished only by their brightness.

• They are distinguished only by their direction of travel.

Multiple Choice

If the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave increases, what happens to its frequency, assuming the speed of light remains constant?

• Frequency increases

• Frequency decreases

• Frequency stays the same

• Frequency becomes zero

Multiple Choice

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the highest energy?

• Radio Waves

• Microwaves / IR

• UV / X-Rays

• Gamma Rays