Q: A laser pointer emits red light with a wavelength of $$\lambda = 650 \ \mathrm{nm}. $$What is the frequency of this light? (Speed of light $$c = 3.00 \times 10^8$ \ \mathrm{m/s})$$

$$4.62 \times 10$$^{14}$$ \ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Q: A photon has an energy of $$3.0 \times 10$$^{-19}$$ \ \mathrm{J}. $$What is its frequency? (Planck's constant $$h = 6.63 \times 10$$^{-34}$$ \ \mathrm{J \cdot s})$$

$$4.5 \times 10$$^{14}$$ \ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the phenomenon of refraction?

Accepted Answer

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed.

Question 2

A laser pointer emits red light with a wavelength of $$\lambda = 650 \ \mathrm{nm}. $$What is the frequency of this light? (Speed of light $$c = 3.00 	imes 10^8$ \ \mathrm{m/s})$$

Accepted Answer

$$4.62 	imes 10$$^{14}$$ \ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 3

Which process is responsible for the blue color of the sky?

Accepted Answer

Rayleigh scattering of sunlight by molecules in the atmosphere.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why sunsets appear red?

Accepted Answer

Longer path through the atmosphere scatters shorter wavelengths, leaving red light.

Question 5

A photon has an energy of $$3.0 	imes 10$$^{-19}$$ \ \mathrm{J}. $$What is its frequency? (Planck's constant $$h = 6.63 	imes 10$$^{-34}$$ \ \mathrm{J \cdot s})$$

Accepted Answer

$$4.5 	imes 10$$^{14}$$ \ \mathrm{Hz}$$

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a property of electromagnetic waves?

Accepted Answer

They require a medium to propagate.

Question 7

Which device is most likely to use the principle of total internal reflection?

Accepted Answer

Optical fiber cable for internet transmission.

Question 8

A person sees their reflection in a calm lake. Which phenomenon is primarily responsible for this?

Accepted Answer

Specular reflection.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes the function of a polarizing filter?

Accepted Answer

It allows only light waves oscillating in a specific direction to pass through.

Question 10

Which of the following correctly ranks the electromagnetic spectrum from lowest to highest energy?

Accepted Answer

Radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible, ultraviolet, X-rays, gamma rays.

Question 11

A prism separates white light into its component colors. What is this phenomenon called?

Accepted Answer

Dispersion.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why a pencil appears bent when placed in a glass of water?

Accepted Answer

Refraction of light as it passes from water to air.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world application of fluorescence?

Accepted Answer

Security markings on currency.

Question 14

Which equation correctly relates the energy of a photon to its frequency?

Accepted Answer

$$E = h 
u$$

Question 15

A green LED emits light with a wavelength of $$520 \ \mathrm{nm}. $$What is the energy of a single photon emitted? (Planck's constant $$h = 6.63 	imes 10$$^{-34}$$ \ \mathrm{J \cdot s}$$, speed of light $$c = 3.00 	imes 10^8$ \ \mathrm{m/s})$$

Accepted Answer

$$3.82 	imes 10$$^{-19}$$ \ \mathrm{J}$$

Question 16

Which of the following is an example of phosphorescence?

Accepted Answer

A glow-in-the-dark sticker that continues to emit light after the lights are turned off.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the function of the human eye's lens?

Accepted Answer

It focuses incoming light onto the retina.

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the speed of light?

Accepted Answer

It is slower in glass than in a vacuum.

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why sunglasses with UV protection are important?

Accepted Answer

They block ultraviolet light, which can damage the eyes.

Question 20

A medical imaging device uses electromagnetic waves with a wavelength shorter than visible light but longer than gamma rays. Which type of wave is it using?

Accepted Answer

X-rays.

Study Guide: Properties of Light, Color, and Atomic Physics (Chapters 26, 27, 30)

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards