Untitled Flashcard Set

What is a wave?

A wave is an oscillation/movement that propagates and transports energy from one place to another.

Transverse wave definition

In a transverse wave, particles swing perpendicular to the direction of the wave.

Longitudinal wave definition

In a longitudinal wave, particles swing in the same direction as the wave.

Mechanical waves

Waves that require a medium/material to travel through, such as sound in air or water waves.

Electromagnetic waves

Waves that do not require any material to travel, such as visible light or radio waves.

Refraction of light

The change in speed of light as it passes from one medium into another, causing it to change direction.

Focus (in optics)

The point where light rays converge after passing through a convex lens.

Myopia (short-sightedness)

A condition where a person can see near objects clearly but struggles to see distant objects clearly.

Hyperopia (long-sightedness)

A condition where a person has difficulty seeing near objects clearly; light focuses behind the retina.

Convex lens

A lens that converges light rays; used primarily for hyperopia.

Concave lens

A lens that diverges light rays; used primarily for myopia.

Reflection of light

When light hits a surface and bounces back, governed by the law of reflection.

Convex mirror

A mirror that bulges outward, spreading light rays to create a wider field of view.

Concave mirror

A mirror that bulges inward, capable of focusing light rays.

Total internal reflection

Occurs when light passes from a medium where it travels slowly to one where it travels quicker, reflecting all light back into the original medium.

Fiber optics

Technology using total internal reflection to transmit light through thin fibers for data communication.

Laser

A highly focused beam of light consisting of waves that are very similar to each other.

Spectrum and colors

White light consists of various wavelengths that can be separated into colors using a prism.

How does a rainbow occur?

A rainbow forms when sunlight enters raindrops, bends, reflects, and bends again, splitting white light into colors.

Wavelength

The distance between two peaks of a wave, determining the color of light.

Frequency

How many waves pass a point every second; higher frequency means more energy.