Visible Light & Electromagnetic Spectrum

The diagram shows the relative positions of a light source, apple, paper, and person. The person can’t see the apple. Which of the following correctly describes the light interactions taking place in the diagram?

• Light is absorbed by, not transmitted through, the paper.

• Light is reflected off the apple, but absorbed by the light source.

• Light from the light source is reflected only off the apple.

• Light is transmitted through the paper and then reflected off the apple.

The idea that light is not matter is supported by which of the following evidence?

• Light bounces off most objects.

• Light can be separated into colors

• Light can be absorbed by objects.

• Light does not have mass or volume.

The diagrams provided here represent two light waves. Which conclusion is supported by the data provided in the diagrams?

• Light Wave #1 will appear brighter than Light Wave #2.

• Light Wave #1 will be a different color than Light Wave #2.

• Light Wave #1 will reflect more easily than Light Wave #2.

• Light Wave #1 will travel in a straight line, but not Light Wave #2.

A rainbow happens when sunlight passes through water droplets in the air. Which of the following best explains why?

• Water droplets of different sizes filter out light of different colors.

• Different chemicals in the water get energy and give off light of different colors.

• Light of different colors travels at different speeds through different-sized water droplets.

• Light of different wavelengths is bent at different angles.

Humans see different colors because our eyes are responding to light that is different in which characteristic?

• Speed

• Amplitude

• Angle

• Wavelength

A student places a pencil in a glass of water and observes that the pencil appears to be broken. Which of these provides the best explanation for why the pencil appears broken?

• The pencil absorbs all the light rays that hit it.

• Water reflects light rays away from the pencil.

• Light rays are bent by the water in the glass.

• The surface of the water reflects light rays.

The illustration shows the path of a laser leaving a laser pointer. At what point is the laser being absorbed?

• Point A

• Point B

• Point C

• Point D

Which of the following is the best example of an object absorbing light?

• A black sweater in the sun

• A clean window in the sun

• A curved mirror in the sun

• A long shadow in the sun

Solar panels generate electricity using photovoltaic cells that receive sunlight. To protect these cells from moisture while allowing sunlight to pass through, engineers must design a cover for the solar panel that is–

• waterproof and transmits light.

• very flexible and reflects light.

• stronger than steel and bends light.

• cold to the touch and absorbs light.

Which of the following natural surfaces would make a good mirror?

• A fast-moving river

• A blade of grass

• A still lake

• The ocean during a storm