Knowt Light Waves Quiz Review Guide

light/electromagnetic wave

A light or electromagnetic wave is a type of wave that propagates electromagnetic radiation, which includes visible light, radio waves, and X-rays, characterized by oscillating electric and magnetic fields.

wave crest

The wave crest is the highest point of a wave, situated at the peak of the oscillation.

wave trough

The wave trough is the lowest point of a wave, situated at the bottom of the oscillation.

wavelength

Wavelength is the distance between successive crests of a wave, typically measured in meters (m), and is inversely related to frequency.

wave amplitude

Wave amplitude is the maximum distance that points on a wave's surface move away from their rest position, measuring the height of the wave from its rest position to its crest or trough.

wave frequency

Wave frequency is the number of oscillations or cycles that occur in a wave per unit of time, typically measured in Hertz (Hz), indicating how many crests (or troughs) pass a given point in one second.

visible light-ROYGBIV

Visible light is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that can be perceived by the human eye, represented by the acronym ROYGBIV, which stands for Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet, indicating the colors of light in order of increasing frequency.

light prism

A light prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. When light passes through a prism, it bends and separates into its constituent colors, creating a spectrum.

spectroscope

A spectroscope is an optical instrument used to measure and analyze the spectrum of light; it separates light into its component wavelengths, allowing for the examination of spectral lines and the properties of light sources.

wave medium

A wave medium is the substance or material through which a wave travels. It can be a solid, liquid, or gas, and it is necessary for mechanical waves to propagate. Unlike mechanical waves, light waves (electromagnetic waves) do not require a medium and can travel through a vacuum.

light reflection

Light reflection is the bouncing back of light rays when they strike a surface.

light refraction

Light refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass from one medium to another, due to a change in their speed, which causes them to change direction.

angle of reflection

The angle of reflection is the angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal line at the point of reflection on a surface, measured relative to the normal.

angle of incidence

The angle of incidence is the angle formed between the incoming ray of light and the normal line at the point of incidence on a surface, measured relative to the normal.

law of reflection

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

total internal reflection

Total internal reflection is the phenomenon that occurs when a wave (such as light) strikes the boundary of a medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, resulting in the complete reflection of the wave back into the medium instead of passing into the second medium.