Questions and Answers
What is refraction?
The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a given material is called the _________.
index of refraction
What is the formula for the index of refraction (n)?
Speed of light in vacuum / Speed of light in material
What is the Law of Refraction called?
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What does Snell's Law describe?
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What is a mirage caused by?
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Light travels faster through hot air than through cooler air.
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What is the critical angle?
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Total internal reflection occurs when the angle of incidence is smaller than the critical angle.
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What is a lens?
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What type of lens is thicker in the middle and causes parallel rays of light to meet at a single focal point?
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What is the brilliance of diamonds a result of?
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What is dispersion?
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In a vacuum, different colors of light travel at different speeds.
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Study Notes
Refraction
- Refraction occurs when light bends as it passes through different transparent materials.
- The bending happens at the boundary where two media meet at an angle.
Index of Refraction
- Defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to its speed in a material.
- Formula: ( \text{Index of refraction (n)} = \frac{\text{Speed of light in vacuum}}{\text{Speed of light in material}} ).
Snell's Law
- Also known as the Law of Refraction, describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction.
- Formula: ( n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2 ), where ( n_1 ) and ( n_2 ) are the indices of refraction for two media.
Optical Phenomena
- Objects may appear displaced due to refraction, as they seem to be located at different places from their actual positions.
- A mirage is caused by the refraction of light in Earth's atmosphere, which distorts images.
Internal Reflection
- Results from refracted light, affecting how it travels through different mediums.
- Total internal reflection occurs when the angle of incidence exceeds the critical angle.
Critical Angle
- The critical angle is the specific angle where light is refracted at 90° relative to the normal.
- For total internal reflection, the angle of incidence must be greater than the critical angle when light moves from a slower to a faster medium.
Optical Fibers
- Optical fibers, or light pipes, are transparent materials that conduct light efficiently from one location to another.
- They utilize principles of total internal reflection for light transmission.
Diamond Brilliance
- The sparkle of diamonds is attributed to their ability for total internal reflection.
Dispersion
- Dispersion refers to the separation of white light into its constituent colors based on frequency.
- A rainbow forms as a result of sunlight dispersion through water droplets, showcasing the spectrum of colors.
Lens Types and Function
- Lenses refract light and form images by bending parallel rays that pass through them.
- Real lenses are solid pieces of transparent materials, shaped to bend light effectively.
Converging and Diverging Lenses
- A converging lens (convex) is thicker in the center, focusing parallel light rays to a single point, known as the focal point.
- A diverging lens (concave) is thinner in the middle, creating an appearance of light rays originating from a single point, but lacking a true focal point.
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Description
Test your knowledge on refraction and lenses with these flashcards. Each card covers key concepts, definitions, and formulas related to the bending of light and its implications in optics. Perfect for students studying physics or preparing for exams.
