Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes an electromagnetic wave?

Accepted Answer

It is a wave consisting of oscillating electric and magnetic fields that are perpendicular to each other and to the direction of wave propagation.

Question 2

Which region of the electromagnetic spectrum has the shortest wavelength and the highest energy?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 3

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

Accepted Answer

$$3.00 	imes 10^8$ m/s

Question 4

Which phenomenon explains why the sky appears blue during the day?

Accepted Answer

Scattering of shorter (blue) wavelengths by molecules in the atmosphere

Question 5

A beam of white light passes through a glass prism and splits into a spectrum of colors. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion

Question 6

Which law states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection?

Accepted Answer

Law of Reflection

Question 7

What is the energy of a photon with frequency $$f$$?

Accepted Answer

$$E = h f$$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes why a red shirt appears red under white light?

Accepted Answer

It reflects red wavelengths and absorbs other visible wavelengths.

Question 9

A light ray passes from air into water. If the angle of incidence is greater than zero, what happens to the light ray?

Accepted Answer

It bends toward the normal because light travels slower in water.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world application of total internal reflection?

Accepted Answer

Optical fibers used in telecommunications

Question 11

Which of the following electromagnetic waves is most likely to cause damage to living cells?

Accepted Answer

Gamma rays

Question 12

Which equation correctly relates the speed of light $$c$$, wavelength $$\lambda$$, and frequency $$f$$?

Accepted Answer

$$c = \lambda f$$

Question 13

In Young's double-slit experiment, what causes the bright fringes on the screen?

Accepted Answer

Constructive interference of light waves from the two slits

Question 14

Which of the following best explains why mammals emit mostly infrared radiation?

Accepted Answer

Their body temperature is such that the peak of their thermal radiation is in the infrared region.

Question 15

A thin film of oil on water shows colorful patterns. What is the main cause of these patterns?

Accepted Answer

Interference of light reflected from the top and bottom surfaces of the oil film

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the photoelectric effect is correct?

Accepted Answer

It demonstrates that light can behave as particles called photons.

Question 17

Which color of visible light has the shortest wavelength?

Accepted Answer

Violet

Question 18

If the frequency of an electromagnetic wave is doubled, what happens to its wavelength (in vacuum)?

Accepted Answer

It is halved.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a method of heat transfer?

Accepted Answer

Reflection

Question 20

A person stands in front of a mirror and sees their image. What type of image is formed?

Accepted Answer

Virtual image

Electromagnetic Waves and the Wave Nature of Light: Study Guide

Study Guide - Practice Questions