Light & EM Waves
What type of wave is visible light?
Electromagnetic wave
What must sound travel through?
A medium (matter like air, water, solids)
What is amplitude?
Height of a wave
What is it called when light bounces off an object?
Reflection
How does light usually travel?
In straight lines unless it interacts with materials
Why can’t sound travel in space?
There is no matter to carry the sound
What happens to pitch when frequency increases?
Pitch increases
What happens when light passes through a material?
Transmission
Which two things are needed to form a rainbow?
Sunlight and water droplets
Which material allows sound to travel fastest: air, water, or metal?
Metal (like aluminum)
If a wave has a higher amplitude, what happens to its energy?
Energy increases
What happens when light bends as it enters a new material?
Refraction
Why can you hear an ambulance before seeing its lights behind a wall?
Sound can travel through/around materials, light cannot
How does wavelength relate to pitch?
Shorter wavelength = higher pitch
Two waves move at the same speed. One has a higher frequency. What else must be true?
It has a shorter wavelength
Why do rough surfaces scatter light more than smooth ones?
Uneven surfaces reflect light in many directions
Why is a reflective or opaque barrier best for blocking harmful light?
It reflects or absorbs the light, preventing transmission
A sound wave moves from air into a brick wall. What happens to its energy and amplitude?
Both decrease
Compare two rope waves: one has higher amplitude. What can you conclude?
It has more energy
A light ray enters water and changes direction. What process is this and why does it happen?
Refraction; light changes speed in a new medium