Question 1

Which law states that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence when light reflects off a surface?

Accepted Answer

Law of Reflection

Question 2

A lifeguard must reach a person in distress in the water as quickly as possible. According to Fermat’s principle of least time, what path should the lifeguard take?

Accepted Answer

A path that minimizes the time spent running and swimming, changing direction at the water's edge

Question 3

When light passes from air into water, which of the following occurs?

Accepted Answer

The light bends toward the normal because it slows down

Question 4

What is the mathematical expression for the index of refraction $$n of a $$medium?

Accepted Answer

$$n = \frac{c}{v}$$

Question 5

Why do objects submerged in water appear closer to the surface than they actually are?

Accepted Answer

Because light is refracted at the water surface, changing its direction

Question 6

Which phenomenon explains why white light separates into different colors when passing through a prism?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion

Question 7

When light passes through a prism, which color is bent the most?

Accepted Answer

Violet

Question 8

Total internal reflection occurs when light:

Accepted Answer

Travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to a lower refractive index and strikes the boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle

Question 9

Which optical device uses total internal reflection to transmit light over long distances?

Accepted Answer

Optical fiber

Question 10

What is the main difference between specular and diffuse reflection?

Accepted Answer

Specular reflection produces a clear image, diffuse reflection scatters light in many directions

Question 11

A rainbow is formed because:

Accepted Answer

Light is dispersed and refracted by many water droplets, each color emerging at a different angle

Question 12

Which principle states that every point on a wavefront acts as a source of secondary wavelets?

Accepted Answer

Huygens' Principle

Question 13

Diffraction is most noticeable when:

Accepted Answer

The wavelength of light is comparable to the size of the opening or obstacle

Question 14

Why do AM radio waves bend around buildings and hills, while visible light does not?

Accepted Answer

AM radio waves have longer wavelengths, which allows for greater diffraction

Question 15

In Young’s double-slit experiment, what is observed on the screen?

Accepted Answer

A pattern of alternating bright and dark fringes due to interference

Question 16

Which theory of light is supported by the results of Young’s double-slit experiment?

Accepted Answer

Wave theory of light

Question 17

A diffraction grating separates light into its component wavelengths because:

Accepted Answer

It has many parallel slits that cause constructive and destructive interference

Question 18

If the opening through which light passes is made smaller, what happens to the amount of diffraction?

Accepted Answer

Diffraction increases

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why binoculars use prisms?

Accepted Answer

Prisms internally reflect 100% of light, lengthen the light path, and reinvert the image

Question 20

A piece of paper in a well-lit room appears white because:

Accepted Answer

It undergoes diffuse reflection, scattering light in many directions

Reflection, Refraction, and Wave Properties of Light: Study Notes

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards