Refraction and Diffraction Quiz

Why does white light from the sun form a colorful rainbow when it passes through water droplets in the atmosphere?

• the droplets of water in the air have different densities
• The colors that make up white light refract at different angles

Blue light bends more than red light when it passes through glass.  Thus blue light has a greater:

• Angle of refraction
• interference pattern
• index of diffraction
• wavelength

Light refracts when:

• it Changes speed
• it changes from a particle to a wave
• its density changes
• it encounters a solid object

What's an easy way to create an interference pattern of waves?

• Toss two pebbles into the water close to each other; the waves from each pebble will interfere with the other
• shine a light onto a black surface; the dark color will interfere with the transmission of light

What type of stuff can be refracted?  Choose the best answer.

• Light
• sound
• heat
• anything that travels in waves

Diffraction is useful in which of the following fields?

• calculus
• Anthropology
• Astronomy

Which of the following is the best example of diffraction?

• Your voice echoing back when you shout into a canyon
• A straw appearing to bend when you place it in a glass of water

What is the main difference between refraction and diffraction?

• refraction is a phenomenon that affects light; diffraction is a phenomenon that affects sound
• refraction involves the bending of light; diffraction involves the bending and spreading of light, usually around an obstacle

A beam of light bends when it passes from air into water, and more when it passes from water into glass. What can you conclude from this fact?

• Air is denser than glass

• Water is denser than glass

• Glass is denser than water

• Air is denser than water