Wave properties

Question 1

State the law of reflection for waves

Answer 1

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection about the normal to the surface
θᵢ = θᵣ

Question 2

What is Snell’s law?

Answer 2

n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂)

Question 3

If light enters a more dense medium it bends _____ the normal.

Answer 3

Towards

Question 4

If light enters a less dense medium it bends _____ the normal

Answer 4

Away from

Question 5

Form an equation using the refractive index of a material, the speed of light in the material and the speed of light in a vacuum
(nₛ, cₛ and c)

Answer 5

nₛ = c/cₛ

Question 6

What is the minimum value of the refractive index?

Answer 6

1

Question 7

List the conditions needed for total internal reflection to occur

Answer 7

The incident ray must be greater than the critical angle for the materials

The light must be moving into a less dense medium

Question 8

Give the equation for the critical angle
(θ꜀)

Answer 8

sin(θ꜀) = n₂/n₁

Question 9

The normal line is _____ to the surface of the mirror / boundary of the material

Answer 9

Perpendicular
(90°)