Physics Summative S2.1

9.2

Define reflection and refraction of waves.

Reflection: Wave bouncing off a surface. Refraction: Wave changing direction when entering a new medium.

Explain how reflection occurs, referring explicitly to the angles involved.

Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection; both angles measured from the normal line.

Describe how refraction alters wave direction as it travels into a denser medium.

Refraction causes waves to bend towards the normal as they enter a denser medium due to speed reduction.

Distinguish between transverse and longitudinal waves, providing one example for each type.

Transverse waves oscillate perpendicular (e.g., waves on a rope); longitudinal waves oscillate parallel (e.g., sound waves).

State the unit used for wave speed.

meters per second (m s^-1)

Outline the arrangement of the electromagnetic spectrum according to frequency and wavelength.

radio waves, microwaves, infrared, visible light, ultraviolet, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Explain why gamma rays are utilized in medical treatments and discuss the potential risks involved.

Gamma rays target and destroy cancer cells, but pose risks due to potential damage to healthy cells and DNA.

Identify one safety measure that must be taken when using gamma radiation.

Protective lead shielding.

Describe the phenomenon of total internal reflection.

Total internal reflection occurs when light reflects entirely within a denser medium, without refracting out.

Determine whether total internal reflection can occur when light travels from glass (n=1.5) into water (n=1.33)

Yes, total internal reflection can occur because glass has a higher refractive index (1.5) compared to water (1.33).

Define dispersion of light.

Dispersion: Separation of white light into colors based on wavelength differences

Explain why white light disperses when passing through a prism.

White light disperses in a prism as different wavelengths refract by varying amounts, creating a spectrum.

List the colors of the visible spectrum in order from longest to shortest wavelength.

Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.

Explain the properties that determine wave speed in different media.

Wave speed depends on medium properties such as density and elasticity; typically faster in solids, slower in gases.

Identify the wave property represented by the distance between two successive crests.

Wavelength.

What type of wave oscillates perpendicular to the direction of energy transfer?

Transverse

Which property of waves remains constant when entering a new medium?

Frequency

Which type of wave requires a medium to travel?

Sound Waves

Reflection of waves occurs when a wave …

… Bounces off a surface

Which of the following phenomena describes waves spreading out as they pass through a gap?

Diffraction

Ultrasound is defined as sound waves with frequencies:

Above 20kHz or 20,000Hz

In wave behavior, total internal reflection occurs when:

The wave moves into a medium with a lower refractive index, beyond the critical angle

The speed of sound is greatest in …

… materials with a higher refractive index

Which statement accurately describes a virtual image formed by a mirror?

It appears behind the mirror, where rays do not actually intersect

A plane mirror always produces …

… virtual and upright images

Which electromagnetic waves have the shortest wavelength?

Gamma rays

The bending of waves as they move from one medium to another is called:

Refraction

The frequency of a wave determines its:

Energy

Which phenomenon involves two waves superposing to form a resultant wave?

Interference

When a wave's amplitude increases, what happens to its energy?

It increases

The electromagnetic waves used for satellite communications are primarily

Radio waves

Sound waves are…

… longitudinal and mechanical waves

White light disperses into colors due to differences in …

… speed, frequency, and wavelength

The critical angle is the angle of incidence at which …

… Refraction angle equals 90°

In medical imaging, ultrasound is preferred because it:

Does not ionize tissues

IGNORE THIS QUESTION

IGNORE THIS QUESTION

Seismic P-waves are…

…longitudinal

Which light color refracts the least when passing through a prism?

Red

Which device uses infrared waves?

Night vision goggles

Electromagnetic waves travel fastest in …

… Vacuum

In a wave, the distance between successive crests is called …

… Wavelength

Optical fibers rely primarily on …

… total internal reflection

Frequency of a wave is measured in…

… Hertz

The high points of a transverse wave is called…

… Crest.