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AQA GCSE Physics > Wave Properties > Flashcards

Flashcards in Wave Properties Deck (12)
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1
Q

What is an incident ray?

A

The ray of light that hits the mirror

2
Q

What is a reflected ray

A

A reflection of the ray of light that hit the mirror

3
Q

What is the “normal”

A

A line drawn perpendicular to the mirror at the point the incident ray hits it

4
Q

What is the angle of incidence?

A

The angle between the incidence and the normal

5
Q

What is the angle of reflection?

A

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal

6
Q

How does the image on a plane (flat) mirror show?

A

The same size as the object. Upright. The same distance behind the mirror as in front. Virtual.

7
Q

What is a real image?

A

An image that can be formed on a screen because the light rays that produce the image actually pass through it

8
Q

What is a virtual image?

A

An image that cannot be formed on a screen because the rays of light that produce the image only appear to pass through it

9
Q

What happens to waves when they cross a boundary between two substances?

A

It changes speed and wavelength (the frequency stays the same)

10
Q

What is meant by refraction?

A

The change of direction of a light ray when it passes through a boundary of two transparent substances (including air)

11
Q

What is meant by diffraction?

A

The spreading of waves when they pass through a gap or around the edges of an obstacle that has a similar size wavelength of the waves

12
Q

Why do we see images inside mirrors?

A

A reflection of light