Refraction and Diffraction Flashcard

Front

What is refraction?

Back

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

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

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

Front

What causes the colors of a rainbow?

Back

The colors of a rainbow are caused by the refraction of white light at different angles as it passes through water droplets.

Front

How does light change speed?

Back

Light changes speed when it moves from one medium to another, such as from air to water.

Front

What is an example of refraction?

Back

An example of refraction is a straw appearing bent when placed in a glass of water.

Front

What is an example of diffraction?

Back

An example of diffraction is your voice echoing back when you shout into a canyon.

Front

What happens to light when it enters a denser medium?

Back

When light enters a denser medium, it slows down and bends towards the normal line.

Front

What is the normal line in refraction?

Back

The normal line is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence where light enters a new medium.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in wave interference?

Back

The principle of superposition states that when two or more waves overlap, the resulting wave is the sum of the individual waves.

Front

What is constructive interference?

Back

Constructive interference occurs when two waves meet in phase, resulting in a wave of greater amplitude.