Waves Review

What is the term used to describe the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another?

• Reflection

• Refraction

• Absorption

• Transmission

Answer explanation

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another is called refraction. This occurs due to a change in the light's speed when it enters a different medium, unlike reflection, absorption, or transmission.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which color of light has the shortest wavelength?

• Red

• Green

• Blue

• Violet

Answer explanation

Violet light has the shortest wavelength in the visible spectrum, measuring approximately 380-450 nanometers. In contrast, red light has the longest wavelength, making violet the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

If a wave has a high frequency, what can be said about its wavelength?

• It has a long wavelength

• It has a short wavelength

• Wavelength is not affected by frequency

• It has a medium wavelength

Answer explanation

A wave's frequency and wavelength are inversely related, as described by the formula: wavelength = speed/frequency. Therefore, a high frequency means a short wavelength, making 'It has a short wavelength' the correct choice.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Describe how a prism creates a rainbow from white light.

• By reflecting all colors equally

• By absorbing certain colors

• By refracting different wavelengths at different angles

• By transmitting all colors without change

Answer explanation

A prism creates a rainbow by refracting different wavelengths of light at different angles. This bending of light separates the colors, resulting in a spectrum that appears as a rainbow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following materials is most likely to absorb light?

• A mirror

• A white sheet of paper

• A black cloth

• A glass window

Answer explanation

A black cloth absorbs more light due to its darker color, which means it reflects less light compared to a mirror, white paper, or glass. Therefore, it is the material most likely to absorb light.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Explain why violet light refracts more than red light when passing through a prism.

• Violet light has a longer wavelength

• Violet light has a higher frequency

• Red light is absorbed more

• Red light is reflected more

Answer explanation

Violet light refracts more than red light because it has a higher frequency. Higher frequency light waves interact more with the prism material, causing greater bending compared to lower frequency light like red.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

A wave travels through a medium and is partially absorbed. What happens to the energy of the wave?

• It increases

• It decreases

• It remains the same

• It doubles

Answer explanation

As the wave travels through the medium and is partially absorbed, some of its energy is converted to other forms, leading to a decrease in the wave's energy. Therefore, the correct answer is that the energy of the wave decreases.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following best describes the relationship between amplitude and energy in a wave?

• Energy is directly proportional to amplitude

• Energy is inversely proportional to amplitude

• Energy is equal to amplitude

• Energy is not related to amplitude

Answer explanation

Energy in a wave is directly proportional to the square of the amplitude. Therefore, as amplitude increases, energy increases as well, making the correct choice "Energy is directly proportional to amplitude."

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

Develop a model to explain how light is transmitted through a transparent material.

• Light is absorbed and not seen

• Light is reflected back

• Light passes through without being absorbed

• Light is scattered in all directions

Answer explanation

Light passes through transparent materials without being absorbed, allowing it to be seen on the other side. This is the defining characteristic of transparency, distinguishing it from absorption, reflection, and scattering.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Which of the following is an example of light being reflected?

• A rainbow forming in the sky

• A pencil appearing bent in a glass of water

• Seeing your image in a mirror

• Sunlight passing through a window

Answer explanation

Seeing your image in a mirror is an example of light being reflected. When light hits the smooth surface of a mirror, it bounces back, allowing you to see your reflection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2