Transmission, Absorption, and Relative Energy of Waves Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of wavelength?

The distance from any point on one wave to a corresponding point on the next wave

Which type of waves can travel through both matter and space?

Electromagnetic waves

What is the main characteristic that differentiates mechanical waves from electromagnetic waves?

Medium of propagation

What is the speed of a wave NOT related to?

Wavelength Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waves does sound belong to?

Mechanical waves Signup and view all the answers

What happens during absorption of light?

Light travels all the way through the material Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of reflection of light?

The change in direction of a wave at a boundary between two media Signup and view all the answers

What does refraction of light refer to?

The bending of light when it moves from one medium to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the relative strength/frequency order of colors in visible light?

ROYGBIV Signup and view all the answers

Which type of objects affect the absorption of light differently based on their material?

Opaque objects Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic that differentiates visible light from other waves in the electromagnetic spectrum?

It has lower energy than other waves Signup and view all the answers

Which type of objects affect the absorption of light differently based on their material?

Black vs. white objects Signup and view all the answers

What does refraction of light refer to?

The change in direction or bending of light when it moves from one medium to another Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of reflection of light?

The bouncing back of light when it hits a surface Signup and view all the answers

What happens during absorption of light?

Light energy is taken in by a substance and converted into other forms of energy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between mechanical waves and electromagnetic waves?

Mechanical waves require a medium to travel through, while electromagnetic waves can travel through both matter and space. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'frequency' refer to in the context of waves?

The number of wave vibrations over time, measured in Hertz (Hz). Signup and view all the answers

Which type of waves can travel through both matter and space?

Electromagnetic waves Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic that defines the amplitude of a wave?

The height of the wave or the distance from crest/trough to the resting point of the wave Signup and view all the answers

What is the wavelength of a wave?

The distance from any point on one wave to a corresponding point on the next wave Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wave Characteristics

Wavelength is the distance between consecutive points on a wave that are in phase with each other.

Types of Waves

Electromagnetic waves can travel through both matter and space.
Sound belongs to mechanical waves.

Mechanical Waves vs Electromagnetic Waves

Mechanical waves require a medium to propagate, whereas electromagnetic waves do not.

Light Interactions

Absorption of light occurs when light is taken in by a material, converting it to other forms of energy.
Reflection of light is the change in direction of light when it hits a surface, bouncing back without being absorbed.
Refraction of light refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different optical density.