Waves - Light and Sound

Question 1

What type of wave is a light wave

Answer 1

A transverse wave and can be reflected and refracted

Question 2

What is the law of reflection

Answer 2

The angle of incidence = the angle of reflection

Question 3

What is the relationship between refractive index, angle of incidence and angle of refraction

Answer 3

n = sin i / sin r

Question 4

What is the definition of total internal reflection

Answer 4

when light is moving from a denser medium towards a less dense one, instead of being refracted, all of the light is reflected

Question 5

What is the role of total internal reflection in transmitting information along optical fibres and in prisms?

Answer 5

A thin wire is used with glass inside (has a tiny diameter) which means that the angle that the lights hits the glass is past the critical angle meaning the light has total internal reflection. This carries on throughout the wire, meaning the light can be transfered to the other end easily

Question 6

What is the definition of the critical angle c

Answer 6

when the angle of refraction is exactly 90 degrees

Question 7

What is the relationship between critical angle and refractive index

Answer 7

sin c = 1/n

Question 8

What type of wave is a sound wave

Answer 8

Longitudinal, and can be reflected and refracted