Physics of Light, Waves, and Radiation: Key Concepts and Phenomena

LED

Which of these lamps uses semiconductor technology?

Total internal reflection

What phenomenon is used in fiber optics and photonic devices to keep light trapped inside?

Gamma rays

X-rays are most similar to what type of radiation?

Shiny metals

Why are metals shiny?

Thomas Young's double-slit experiment

What does Thomas Young's double-slit experiment demonstrate?

White

If neon's energy levels weren't discrete, neon signs would glow what color?

Electromagnetic waves

Electromagnetic waves consist of what?

Law of reflection

What does the law of reflection state?

Particle theory

Did Einstein's photoelectric effect explanation support the wave or particle theory of light?

Laser photons

How do laser photons differ from incandescent lamp photons?

Invisible

Most electromagnetic waves are what?

Phosphorescent

A watch dial that still glows after a week in the dark is likely what?

Radio waves

In air, how does the speed of radio waves compare to sound waves?

Fluorescence vs. phosphorescence

What's the difference between fluorescence and phosphorescence?

Microwaves

Which photons have lower energy: microwaves or X-rays?

Two bands

If electrons behaved only like particles in the double slit experiment, what pattern would appear?

Same time

If a light signal and radio signal left Alpha Centauri at the same time, which would reach Earth first?

Atomic number changes

What happens to atomic number during alpha, beta, and gamma decay?

Visible light

Glass is transparent to what type of light?

E equals h times f

What equation relates energy of a photon to its frequency?

Coherent light

How does coherent light differ from sunlight?

Phosphors

What causes the white light inside fluorescent lamps?

Mirage

A mirage is most likely to occur over what kind of surface?

Radioactivity

What is Earth's main internal heat source?

Lead

What does natural uranium eventually become after many decays?

Human body radioactivity

Is the human body radioactive? If so, why?

Stars in the night sky

Why can we see stars in the night sky?

Sound waves

Which type of wave cannot travel in a vacuum?

Highest frequency and energy

Rays with the shortest wavelength have what frequency and energy?

Red light

What color of light passes through red glass?

Incorrect statement

Which statement is incorrect: Light travels as particles and hits like waves?

Quantum uncertainties

For which particles are quantum uncertainties significant?

Light's speed

What happens to light's speed as it moves from water into air?

Optical fibers

Who uses optical fibers?

Transverse waves vs. longitudinal waves

What phenomenon distinguishes transverse waves from longitudinal waves?