$n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2$

Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the path of a light ray passing through a glass slab?

Accepted Answer

The ray is refracted toward the normal upon entering, away from the normal upon exiting, and is displaced sideways.

Question 2

According to Snell's Law, which equation correctly relates the angles and indices of refraction for light passing from medium 1 to medium 2?

Accepted Answer

$n_1 \sin 	heta_1 = n_2 \sin 	heta_2$

Question 3

A ray of light travels from water ($n=1.33$) into air ($n=1.00$). What happens if the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle?

Accepted Answer

The ray is totally reflected back into the water.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why optical fibers can transmit light over long distances with minimal loss?

Accepted Answer

Light undergoes total internal reflection at the core-cladding interface.

Question 5

What is the mirror equation for spherical mirrors?

Accepted Answer

$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$

Question 6

A concave mirror forms a real, inverted, and reduced image. Where is the object located?

Accepted Answer

Beyond the center of curvature

Question 7

Which ray in a ray diagram for a spherical mirror passes through (or appears to pass through) the center of curvature?

Accepted Answer

The C ray

Question 8

In Newton's prism experiment, what did the second prism demonstrate about white light?

Accepted Answer

The colors recombine to form white light when passed through a second prism.

Question 9

A convex lens is similar in behavior to:

Accepted Answer

Two prisms placed back to back

Question 10

Which of the following is true for the image formed by a convex mirror?

Accepted Answer

It is always virtual, upright, and reduced.

Question 11

If an object is placed between the focal point and a convex lens, what type of image is formed?

Accepted Answer

Virtual, upright, and enlarged

Question 12

Which lens type always produces a virtual, upright, and reduced image for real objects?

Accepted Answer

Concave lens

Question 13

What is the critical angle for total internal reflection at a glass-water interface ($n_{glass} = 1.50$, $n_{water} = 1.33$)?

Accepted Answer

$\sin^{-1} \left( \frac{1.33}{1.50} \right)$

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the image formed by a concave mirror when the object is located between the mirror and the focal point?

Accepted Answer

Virtual, upright, and enlarged

Question 15

A ray of light enters a prism and is bent downward. What causes this downward deflection?

Accepted Answer

The prism's sides are angled, causing the ray to bend toward the normal upon entry and away from the normal upon exit.

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT a principal ray used for ray tracing with a convex lens?

Accepted Answer

The C ray (through center of curvature)

Question 17

A diverging lens is also known as:

Accepted Answer

Concave lens

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the image formed by a convex lens when the object is placed just beyond the focal point?

Accepted Answer

Inverted and approaching infinity in size

Question 19

Which real-world application relies on total internal reflection?

Accepted Answer

Optical fibers for telecommunications

Geometric Optics: Mirrors, Lenses, and Refraction (5)

Study Guide - Practice Questions