Science, waves, light, refraction, formulas

Question 1

Definition of wave

Answer 1

A vibration pattern that transfers energy without the transfer of matter

Question 2

The two main types of waves

Answer 2

Mechanical Wave and Electromagnetic wave

Question 3

Two main types of waves according to their direction of vibration

Answer 3

Transverse wave and longitudinal wave

Question 4

Definition of transverse wave

Answer 4

The direction of vibration is perpendicular to the direction the wave travels

Question 5

Definition of longitudinal wave

Answer 5

The direction of vibration that is parallel to the direction the wave travels

Question 6

Definition of frequency

Answer 6

The number of wavelengths that can pass through a point per unit time (s)

Question 7

What is the formula between the frequency, wavelength and speed

Answer 7

v = f x lambda
f = v / lambda
lambda = v / f

Question 8

What is the law of reflection

Answer 8

The angle of reflection will always equal to the angle of incidence

Question 9

Definition of refraction

Answer 9

Is the change of wavelength as the wave travels from one medium to another medium causing a change in speed. The direction of the wave might change as well. ( Frequency stays the same )

Question 10

Definition of wavefronts

Answer 10

Wavefronts are the crest of a transverse wave or the compressions of a longitudinal wave. The wavefronts are always perpendicular to the direction the wave travels.

Question 11

The formula for the refractive index

Answer 11

n = c / v
c = n x v
v = c / n

Question 12

Snell’s Law’s formula

Answer 12

N1 = refractive index of medium
N2 = refractive index of medium 2
01 = Incident/ refraction angle of medium 1
02 = Incident/refraction angle of medium 2
Nsin01 = N2sin02
Simpler way: sin0c = 1/n

Question 13

Criteria / Definition of Total Internal Reflection

Answer 13

1. Light must travel from an optically dense medium to an optically light medium.
2. The incident angle must be bigger than the critical angle

Question 14

Definition of diffraction

Answer 14

Waves can bend around a corner or through a gap. ( The larger the wavelength the more the diffraction )

Question 15

Convex lens definition

Answer 15

A convex lens converges light. Light rays parallel to the principal axis converge through the focal point. Convex lens has a real focal point as light rays meet

Question 16

Concave lens definition

Answer 16

A concave lens diverges light. Light rays parallel to the principal axis are diverged out as if they come from the focal point. A concave lens has a virtual focal point as light rays don’t meet

Question 17

Definition of the focal length

Answer 17

The distance from the focal point to the center of the lens.