Waves and Light Properties Quiz

Waves and Light Properties

• Wave: A moving disturbance that transports energy from one place to another
• Periodic Wave: A wave that repeats itself at regular intervals
• Wave Front: The leading edge of a wave
• Wave Crest: The highest point of a wave
• Wave Trough: The lowest point of a wave
• Wavelength (λ): The distance between two similar points in successive cycles
• Amplitude (A): The maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position
• Phase: The offset of a wave from a reference point
• Interference: Waves can interfere with each other; constructive (adding) or destructive (canceling)
• Frequency (f): The number of cycles that occur in one second (measured in Hertz, Hz)
  • Calculated as:  f = #cycles / time (s)
• Period (T): The time it takes for one cycle to complete.
  • Calculated as: T= time / # cycles
• Wave Speed (v): The rate at which a wave travels through a medium.
  • Calculated as: v = fλ (frequency × wavelength)
  • Speed and wavelength are proportionally related
  • Speed and frequency are inversely proportional

Reflection of Light

• Ray Approximation: Treating light waves as straight lines (rays)
• Reflection: Change in the direction of a light ray when it hits an obstacle
• Incoming Ray/Outgoing Ray: Both rays are on the same side of the obstacle.
• Normal: The line drawn perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.
• Angle of Incidence: The angle between the incoming ray and the normal
• Angle of Reflection: The angle between the reflected ray and the normal.
• Law of Reflection: The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
• Specular Reflection: Reflection from a smooth surface where all reflected rays are in the same direction
• Diffuse Reflection: Reflection from a rough surface where reflected rays are directed in many directions.