Light Waves Quiz Review Guide

Light/Electromagnetic wave 

A type of wave that is a combination of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and to the direction of propagation. Light waves are part of the electromagnetic spectrum and can travel through a vacuum.

crest

the highest point of a wave, representing the maximum displacement from the rest position.

trough

the lowest point of a wave, indicating the minimum displacement from the rest position.

Wavelength

the distance between successive crests or troughs in a wave.

Amplitude

the maximum displacement of a wave from its rest position, measuring the height of the wave.

Frequency

the number of waves that pass a given point in a specific time period, usually measured in hertz (Hz).

Visible light - ROYGBIV

is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, consisting of colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.

Prism

a transparent optical element that refracts light, dispersing it into its constituent colors.

Spectroscope

an apparatus for producing and recording spectra for examination.

Medium

an agency or means of doing something.

Reflection

the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.

Refraction

the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc. being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.

Angle of Reflection

the angle made by a reflected ray with a perpendicular to the reflecting surface.

Angle of Incidence

the angle which an incident line or ray makes with a perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Law of Reflection 

when a ray of light is reflected off a surface, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Total Internal Reflection

complete reflection of a ray of light within a medium such as water or glass