Light and Optical Systems - Topics 6-8

Question 1

Additive Primary Colours

Answer 1

Red, blue, green. All three make white light

Question 2

Secondary Colours

Answer 2

Cyan, magenta, yellow. Created by combining two additive primary colours together

Question 3

Rod

Answer 3

in the retina of the eye, a cylinder like cell that detects the presence of light

Question 4

Cone

Answer 4

A cone shaped cell that detects colour

Question 5

Colour blind

Answer 5

When cone cells in people’s eyes are unable to detect certain colours

Question 6

Crests

Answer 6

The high part of a wave

Question 7

Troughs

Answer 7

The low part of a wave

Question 8

Wavelength

Answer 8

The distance from crest to crest or from trough to trough, or the distance covered from one complete crest plus one complete trough

Question 9

Amplitude

Answer 9

In a wave, the height of the crest or the depth of the trough

Question 10

Frequency

Answer 10

The number of cycles completed by a vibrating object in a unit of time

Question 11

Hertz

Answer 11

Cycles per second. The measure of frequency

Question 12

The Wave Model of Light

Answer 12

Pictures light travelling as a wave

Question 13

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 13

The arrangement by wavelengths of the different forms of electromagnetic radiation including visible light energy

Question 14

Infrared radiation

Answer 14

Heat radiation. Anything that is warmer than it’s surroundings, emits infrared rays

Question 15

Radio Waves

Answer 15

Any electromagnetic wave that is useful for carrying sounds or pictures through the air from a transmitter to a receiver

Question 16

Microwaves

Answer 16

A radio wave having a short wavelength and high frequency. Used in microwave ovens, telecommunication satellites, and other application

Question 17

Ultraviolet radiation (UV)

Answer 17

Wavelengths of 200 nm beyond violet light in the electromagnetic spectrum. Causes tanning and can cause damage to the skin and eyes.