Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum Flashcards
What is the visible light spectrum?
The visible light spectrum is a range of wavelengths that we perceive as different colours.
What is an opaque object?
Opaque objects are objects that do not transmit light.
What happens when light waves hit opaque objects?
Some absorb wavelengths of light and reflect others.
What are colour filters?
Colour filters are transparent objects that absorb most wavelengths and just let some through.
What are colour filters used for?
Colour filters are used to filter out different wavelengths of light, so that only certain colours are transmitted.
What does a converging lens do?
It causes parallel rays of light to be brought together at the principal focus.
What does a diverging lens do?
It causes parallel rays of light to spread out.
What is the axis of a lens?
The axis of a lens is a line passing through the middle of the lens and the centre of its curved surfaces.
How is a real image formed?
A real image is formed when the light rays actually come together to form the image.
How is a virtual image formed?
When the light rays appear to be coming from a completely different place to where they’re actually coming from.
What is the focal length related to?
The focal length is related to the power of the lens. The more powerful the lens, the more strongly it converges rays of light, so the shorter the focal length.
How does the curvature of a lens affect a lens?
The curvature of a lens affects its power, it changes how magnified the lens is.
