Mirrors and Lenses
This type of lens is thicker in the middle and brings parallel rays together at a focal point.
Double convex lens
Light traveling in straight lines from a source is represented in ray diagrams as what?
Rays
Which mirror curves inward like a bowl and can focus light to a point?
Concave mirror
What happens to a light ray when it passes from air into water at an angle: does it bend toward or away from the normal?
It bends toward the normal.
(True or false) In a ray diagram of a refracted ray going into water, the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are equal.
False - the light bends toward the normal after it hits the water
A convex mirror produces an image that is always virtual, (upright/inverted), and (larger/smaller) than the object.
Upright, smaller
State the first law of reflection (has to do with the angles on a ray diagram).
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
A convex mirror gives a (magnified/reduced) view, and why is it used on vehicle side mirrors?
Reduced (smaller); it provides a wider field of view so drivers can see more area (safer for blind spots)
Give the name of the law that relates angles and light rays when light crosses between two materials.
Snell's Law.
In ray diagrams, what single straight line (term) is drawn perpendicular to a mirror at the point of incidence?
The normal
Name two real-world applications for concave mirrors from the lesson.
Examples: reflecting telescopes, headlights, solar cookers, makeup mirrors, dentist mirrors, searchlights.
What is the difference between specular (regular) reflection and diffuse reflection?
Specular reflection: smooth surface, reflected rays remain parallel producing a clear image. Diffuse reflection: rough surface, rays scatter in many directions producing no clear reflection.
If an object is placed beyond the center of curvature of a concave mirror, describe the image (real/virtual), orientation (upright/inverted), and size (larger/smaller).
Real, inverted, and smaller than the object.
Explain why a fish in water appears closer to the surface than it really is.
Because light rays from the fish refract (bend) at the water–air surface; the ray bends away from the normal when entering air, so the apparent origin traced backward is closer to the surface
In a ray diagram constructed around a convex mirror in a gas station, describe what the light rays are doing and how it makes the image look to the viewer of the mirror.
The light rays hitting the mirror diverge (spread out) and the image appears smaller and upright.
For a double concave lens, where is the focal point located relative to the incoming light? (Same side or opposite side?)
The focal point for a diverging (double concave) lens is on the same side as the incoming light.
When light intensity decreases with distance from a point source, name the rule or law that describes how intensity changes with distance.
The farther the light source, the less intense it will be.
Describe what happens to the image formed by a concave mirror as the object moves from past the focal point to closer than the focal point.
As the object approaches the focal point, it remains upside down. As it passes the focal point, it flips upright.
When light travels from a less dense to a more dense medium (ex. air to water), what happens to its speed and direction relative to the normal?
The speed decreases and the ray bends toward the normal.
In shadow formation with light coming from one point source, what causes the fuzzy edges?
Partial blockage and spreading of rays causes regions where only some rays reach the screen
A student places an object between the focal point and a double convex lens. Describe the image (real/virtual), orientation (upright/inverted), and relative size (larger/smaller).
Virtual, upright, larger
List the "Three Laws of Reflection" as given in the lesson.
1) Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection. 2) Incident ray, normal, and reflected ray lie in the same plane. 3) Incident and reflected rays are on opposite sides of the normal.
Explain why satellite dishes use concave shapes (focus on how they handle waves).
Concave shapes collect incoming parallel waves (light or radio) and reflect them toward a focal point, concentrating energy for detection or use.
Define total internal reflection and name one material or situation from the lesson where it contributes to sparkle.
Total internal reflection: when light in a denser medium hits a less dense medium and is completely reflected back. Example from the lesson: diamonds sparkle due to total internal reflection at or above the critical angle.
Drawn rays from a distant light source are shown as parallel. What does that tell you about the source's distance relative to the object?
The light source is either very far away or flat