Colors of Light Lecture Review

Comprehensive practice flashcards covering the physical properties of light, the electromagnetic spectrum, reflection, refraction, and color theory based on lecture notes.

How is light defined in terms of its behavior and nature?

Light behaves like a particle and a wave; it is radiant energy, usually referring to electromagnetic radiation visible to the human eye.

Where is visible light located on the electromagnetic spectrum?

It is located between the spectrum of infrared and ultraviolet.

What is the primary difference between a mechanical wave and an electromagnetic wave?

A mechanical wave requires a medium to transport energy from one location to another, while an electromagnetic wave does not require any medium to propagate.

What is the speed of light in a vacuum?

$3 \times 10^8\,m/s$ (specifically $299\,792\,458\,m/s$).

Why do we see lightning before hearing thunder?

Because light travels much faster than sound.

What are the seven components of the electromagnetic spectrum represented by the acronym RMIVUXG?

Radio, Microwave, Infrared, Visible light, Ultraviolet, X-ray, and Gamma rays.

What are the characteristics of Gamma rays compared to Radio waves on the electromagnetic spectrum?

Gamma rays have a shorter wavelength, higher frequency, and higher energy, whereas Radio waves have a longer wavelength, lower frequency, and lower energy.

What is the definition of the Reflection of light?

Reflection of light is the bouncing back of a light ray when it hits a surface.

What is the difference between Specular and Diffuse reflection?

Specular (regular) reflection occurs on a smooth, shiny surface and bounces light in one uniform direction; Diffuse reflection occurs on rough or dull surfaces and scatters light in many random directions.

What is Refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light when it travels from one medium to another of different optical densities.

How is Optical Density defined?

Optical density is the sluggishness of the atoms of a medium to maintain the absorbed energy before reemitting it.

According to the notes, what is the speed of light in water?

$225\,407\,km/s$.

According to the notes, what is the speed of light in glass?

$197\,231\,km/s$.

How does optical density relate to the speed of light in a medium?

Fast speed indicates low optical density, while low speed indicates high optical density.

Why does a black object appear black?

Black objects absorb all the colors and no light is reflected back.

What six processes cause color to come to our eyes from objects?

Emission, Reflection, Transmission, Interference, Dispersion, and Scattering.

What is Dispersion?

Dispersion is a special kind of refraction where white light passes through a prism, slows down, and bends in different directions, separating into its component colors.

Which color of light is refracted the least and which is refracted the most in a prism?

Red is refracted the least and violet is refracted the most.

What is the wavelength and photon energy range for violet light?

Wavelength: $380-450\,nm$; Photon energy: $2.75-3.26\,eV$.

What is the wavelength and frequency range for red light?

Wavelength: $620-750\,nm$; Frequency: $400-484\,THz$.

Which color has a higher frequency, Orange or Blue?

Blue ($606-668\,THz$) has a higher frequency than Orange ($484-508\,THz$).

Define Transmission of light.

Transmission occurs when certain frequencies are transmitted through the object while others are absorbed.

What is Scattering?

The radiation of certain frequencies of light striking small, suspended particles.