Unit 5 Lesson 4: The Behavior of Light Waves

A beam of light is shined on two different objects in the same area. It reflects off object one and is absorbed by object two. Which statement describes why the light behaved differently on each of the two objects?

• Each of the objects was a different shape.

• Each of the objects was made of different material.

• The light traveled a different distance before hitting each object.

• The light was traveling at different speeds before it hit each object.

Which statement correctly describes a path light can take as it travels?

• Light bends as it goes through the air.

• Light will bend as it crosses from air into glass.

• Light will change directions as it travels through space.

• Light continues on a straight path as it crosses from air into water.

Light that shines on an object may be reflected or absorbed. Whether it is reflected or absorbed depends on the material the object is made out of, as well as what other property?

• intensity of the light

• velocity of the light

• frequency of the light

• brightness of the light

Which property of light would provide evidence for the idea that light is a wave?

• color

• speed

• velocity

• distance traveled

A light wave is traveling at an angle different from 90 degrees from air to water. Which of these best describes what happens to the light wave as it enters the water?

• The light wave will completely bounce off the water.

• The light wave will bend as it enters the water from the air.

• The light wave will continue to travel in a straight line.

• The light wave will be completely absorbed by the water.

Properties of light such as its brightness, color, and frequency can all be used to support which idea about light?

• Light is made up of waves.

• Light is made up of particles.

• Light does not reflect off any surfaces.

• Light travels at the same speed on Earth and in space.

Light will bend as it travels from one medium to another. On which property of light is this bending dependent?

• the speed of the light

• the intensity of the light

• the frequency of the light

• the brightness of the light

You notice that on a bright summer day you feel hotter in a black T-shirt than you do when you wear a white T-shirt. What happens to light waves as they hit your black T-shirt that would make you feel warmer?

• The light waves are absorbed by the black T-shirt.

• The light waves are reflected by the black T-shirt.

• The light waves pass through the black T-shirt.

• The light waves are scattered by the black T-shirt.

A ray of light is traveling through air and is about to cross through a glass window at an angle of 60°. What will happen to the light as it crosses from air into the glass? Select two correct answers.

• The light will speed up.

• The light will slow down.

• The light will remain at the same speed.

• The light will disappear.

• The light will refract.