Physics: Emission Spectra and Optical Fibres

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Questions and Answers

What occurs when an electron loses energy in an atom?

It remains in the same energy level.
It absorbs energy and moves to a higher energy level.
It releases energy in the form of light. (correct)
It transforms into a different element.

What is the role of cladding in optical fibers?

To increase the critical angle for light transmission. (correct)
To amplify the light signal.
To provide electrical insulation.
To increase the diameter of the fiber.

How is an analog signal converted into a digital signal?

By converting the signal into an acoustic format.
By adjusting the frequency of the signal.
By increasing the signal amplitude.
By sampling at set time intervals and converting to binary code. (correct)

What phenomenon allows light to travel through optical fibers?

<p>Total internal reflection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What determines the color of light emitted when an electron drops to a lower energy level?

<p>The amount of energy lost during the drop. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

Emission Spectra

Atoms in a gas absorb energy, causing electrons to jump to higher energy levels. When these electrons return to lower energy levels, they release the absorbed energy as light, creating specific wavelengths that determine the color observed.

Optical Fiber

Optical fibers are thin, transparent strands of glass coated with cladding that has a lower refractive index. This allows light to travel through the fiber by total internal reflection, bouncing off the cladding at angles greater than the critical angle.

Coherent vs Incoherent Fibers

Incoherent fibers carry non-image information, while coherent fibers transmit image information, preserving details.

Analog to Digital Conversion

Analog signals are sampled at regular intervals and converted into binary code, which is represented as a digital signal.

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Critical Angle

The minimum angle at which light must strike a boundary to be reflected internally within a medium. This angle is determined by the refractive indices of the two media.

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Study Notes

How Emission Spectra are Produced

Gas is heated
Atoms absorb energy
Electrons jump to higher energy levels
Electrons lose energy
Electrons drop to lower energy levels
Energy is released as light
Colour of light is due to specific wavelengths
Light is identified using diffraction gratings

How Optical Fibres Work

Two bundles of optical fibres
One is incoherent, the other coherent
Fibres are thin
Fibres have cladding with a lower refractive index than the glass core
Cladding increases the critical angle
Light travels through fibres by total internal reflection
Total internal reflection occurs when light travels from a higher refractive index medium to a lower refractive index medium at an angle greater than the critical angle