Exploring Light Waves and Color

What happens to light waves when they hit a smooth, shiny surface?

• They are absorbed.

• They are reflected.

• They are refracted.

• They are transmitted.

Answer explanation

When light waves hit a smooth, shiny surface, they are primarily reflected. This reflection occurs because the surface is smooth enough to bounce the light waves back in a predictable manner, rather than scattering them.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following best describes refraction?

• Light waves bouncing off a surface.

• Light waves bending as they pass through a medium.

• Light waves being absorbed by a material.

• Light waves spreading out in all directions.

Answer explanation

Refraction occurs when light waves bend as they pass through different media, changing speed and direction. This distinguishes it from reflection, absorption, and dispersion, making the correct choice 'Light waves bending as they pass through a medium.'

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the main characteristic of transparent materials?

• They completely block light.

• They allow light to pass through without scattering.

• They reflect all light.

• They absorb all light.

Answer explanation

Transparent materials are defined by their ability to allow light to pass through without scattering, making them clear and enabling visibility through them.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does a red object appear red to our eyes?

• It reflects all colors of light.

• It absorbs red light and reflects all other colors.

• It absorbs all colors except red.

• It transmits red light.

Answer explanation

A red object appears red because it absorbs all colors of light except red, which it reflects. This selective reflection is why we perceive the object as red.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Which type of lens is thicker at the center than at the edges?

• Concave lens

• Convex lens

• Flat lens

• Cylindrical lens

Answer explanation

A convex lens is thicker at the center than at the edges, allowing it to converge light rays. In contrast, a concave lens is thinner in the center, which diverges light rays.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the order of colors in the visible light spectrum from longest to shortest wavelength?

• Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet

• Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red

• Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Blue, Indigo, Violet

• Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Indigo, Violet

Answer explanation

The visible light spectrum is ordered by wavelength from longest to shortest as follows: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet. Therefore, the correct choice is 'Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet'.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain why a blue object appears blue under white light.

• It reflects blue light and absorbs other colors.

• It absorbs blue light and reflects other colors.

• It transmits blue light and absorbs other colors.

• It reflects all colors equally.

Answer explanation

A blue object appears blue under white light because it reflects blue light while absorbing other colors. This selective reflection is what gives the object its blue appearance.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

How does a concave lens affect light rays passing through it?

• It converges light rays to a point.

• It diverges light rays outward.

• It reflects light rays back.

• It absorbs light rays.

Answer explanation

A concave lens diverges light rays outward, causing them to spread apart. This is in contrast to a convex lens, which converges light rays to a point. Therefore, the correct answer is that it diverges light rays outward.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Describe the process of light wave transmission through a transparent material.

• Light waves are absorbed and not visible.

• Light waves pass through with minimal scattering.

• Light waves are completely blocked.

• Light waves are reflected back.

Answer explanation

Light waves pass through transparent materials with minimal scattering, allowing them to be transmitted effectively. This is why we can see through clear substances, unlike the other options where light is absorbed, blocked, or reflected.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Why does a prism separate white light into different colors?

• Because it reflects light.

• Because it absorbs certain colors.

• Because it refracts light at different angles for different wavelengths.

• Because it transmits light without changing it.

Answer explanation

A prism separates white light into different colors because it refracts light at different angles for different wavelengths. This bending of light causes the various colors to spread out and become visible.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking