Physics Review 11 Light and Optics

Front

What happens to the interference pattern in a double slit experiment when the openings are brought closer together?

Back

The interference pattern will have less bright spots (fringes).

Front

What is the term for the bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another?

Back

Refraction

Front

Calculate the angle of refraction when light shines through air and hits glass at an angle of 30 degrees with an index of refraction of 1.25.

Back

23.578 degrees

Front

List the order of electromagnetic waves from longest wavelength to shortest wavelength.

Back

Radio, Micro, Infra, Visible, Ultra, X-ray, Gamma

Front

What generates electromagnetic waves?

Back

Movement of electric charges.

Front

Define 'interference pattern' in the context of light waves.

Back

An interference pattern is a pattern formed by the overlapping of two or more light waves, resulting in regions of constructive and destructive interference.

Front

What is the principle of superposition in wave theory?

Back

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

Front

Explain the concept of 'total internal reflection'.

Back

Total internal reflection occurs when a wave hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the original medium.

Front

What is the critical angle in optics?

Back

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs.

Front

Define 'diffraction' in the context of light waves.

Back

Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and openings, leading to the spreading of waves.