Optics

Question 1

Electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 1

Full range of EM waves, categorized by their frequencies/wavelengths

Question 2

Diffraction

Answer 2

How wave will fan out after it passes through a slit with a width that’s comparable with its wavelength

Question 3

Central maximum

Answer 3

Bright fringe directly opposite midpoint of slits

Question 4

Bright fringe

Answer 4

Point of constructive interference

Question 5

Dark fringe

Answer 5

Point of destructive interference

Question 6

Diffraction gratings

Answer 6

Barriers containing 1000’s of tiny slits per centimeter

Question 7

Critical angle

Answer 7

When angle of incidence reaches this point, the refracted beam is directed along surface

Question 8

Total internal reflection

Answer 8

For angles of incidence greater than critical angle, there is no angle of refraction; the entire beam is reflected back into its original medium

Question 9

Mirror

Answer 9

Optical device that forms an image by reflecting light

Question 10

Plane mirror

Answer 10

Flat mirror

Image seems as far behind mirror as object is in front

Question 11

Spherical Mirror

Answer 11

Mirror that’s curved in a way that its surface forms part of a sphere

Question 12

Lens

Answer 12

Optical device that forms an image by refracting light

Question 13

Converging lens

Answer 13

Converges parallel paraxial rays of light to a focus on far side

Question 14

Diverging lens

Answer 14

Diverges parallel rays of light away from a virtual focus on same side as incident rays