Reflection and Refraction of Light

Question 1

All electromagnetic waves travel at the same speed in a vacuum:

Answer 1

3x10^8 m/s (speed of light) (c)

Question 2

Visible colors of light listed from long wavelength (low frequency) to short wavelength (high frequency):

Answer 2

red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet (ROY G BV)

Question 3

Index of refraction n:

Answer 3

n = c/Vmedium

Question 4

Snell’s Law of Refraction equation

Answer 4

n1sin(theta1) = n2sin(theta2), where n1 and n2 are the indices of refraction of the first and second media, and theta1 and theta2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively

Question 5

Index of Refraction for air =

Answer 5

1

Question 6

Critical angle definition

Answer 6

the critical angle is the maximum angle for which light will leave the medium. If the angle is increased past this critical point, the light will simply reflect off of (the surface of the water) and sink back into the depths.

Question 7

Wave length equation

Answer 7

f = c/lambda

Question 8

Law of reflection

Answer 8

the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection as measured from a line normal (perpendicular) to the barrier

Question 9

Angle of reflection vs. angle of refraction (Relationship)

Answer 9

The angle of reflection is the angle at which light bounces off a barrier, and the angle of refraction is the angle at which light bends through a substance. Both are measured from a line normal to the surface, but they are NOT equal