Chapter 24: The Wave Nature Of Light

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  • 1/90 Questions

    Light has wavelength 600 nm in a vacuum. It passes into glass, which has an index of refraction of 1.50. What is the frequency of the light inside the glass?

    • 3.3 * 10^14 Hz
    • 5.0 * 10^14 Hz
    • 3.3 * 10^5 Hz
    • 5.0 * 10^5 Hz
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About This Quiz

Explore the wave nature of light in Chapter 24, focusing on wavefronts, theories by Huygens and Newton, and changes in light properties through different media. This quiz assesses understanding of fundamental optical principles and their practical implications.

Chapter 24: The Wave Nature Of Light - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is the Brewster's angle for light traveling in vacuum and reflecting off a piece of glass of index of refraction 1.48?

    • 31.9°

    • 39.8°

    • 45.3°

    • 56.0°

    Correct Answer
    A. 56.0°
    Explanation
    The Brewster's angle is the angle at which light waves that are polarized parallel to the plane of incidence do not reflect off a surface, but instead are transmitted through it. It can be calculated using the formula tan(θB) = n2/n1, where n2 is the refractive index of the medium the light is traveling in (in this case, 1.48 for glass) and n1 is the refractive index of the medium the light is coming from (in this case, vacuum, so 1). Plugging in the values, we get tan(θB) = 1.48/1, which gives us θB = arctan(1.48) = 56.0°.

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  • 3. 

    At the first maxima on either side of the central bright spot in a double-slit experiment, light from each opening arrives

    • In phase.

    • 90° out of phase.

    • 180° out of phase.

    • None of the given answers

    Correct Answer
    A. In phase.
    Explanation
    At the first maxima on either side of the central bright spot in a double-slit experiment, light from each opening arrives in phase. This means that the crests and troughs of the waves from both slits align perfectly, resulting in constructive interference and a bright fringe. In-phase arrival occurs when the path lengths from both slits to the point of observation are equal, causing the waves to be in sync. This is why the light from each opening adds up and results in a bright spot.

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  • 4. 

    When a light wave enters into a medium of different optical density,

    • Its speed and frequency change.

    • Its speed and wavelength change.

    • Its frequency and wavelength change.

    • Its speed, frequency, and wavelength change.

    Correct Answer
    A. Its speed and wavelength change.
    Explanation
    When a light wave enters into a medium of different optical density, its speed and wavelength change. This is because the speed of light is dependent on the optical density of the medium it is passing through. As the light wave enters a medium with a different optical density, it experiences a change in speed, causing its wavelength to also change according to the equation speed = frequency x wavelength. The frequency of the light wave, however, remains constant as it is a characteristic property of the light wave itself and does not depend on the medium it is passing through.

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  • 5. 

    What do we mean when we say that two light rays striking a screen are in phase with each other?

    • When the electric field due to one is a maximum, the electric field due to the other is also a maximum, and this relation is maintained as time passes.

    • They are traveling at the same speed.

    • They have the same wavelength.

    • They alternately reinforce and cancel each other.

    Correct Answer
    A. When the electric field due to one is a maximum, the electric field due to the other is also a maximum, and this relation is maintained as time passes.
    Explanation
    When we say that two light rays striking a screen are in phase with each other, it means that the electric field due to one light ray is at its maximum and the electric field due to the other light ray is also at its maximum. This relationship between the electric fields of the two light rays is maintained as time passes. In other words, the peaks and troughs of the electric fields of the two light rays align with each other, resulting in constructive interference and a brighter image on the screen. This indicates that the two light rays have the same phase and are synchronized in their oscillations.

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  • 6. 

    In a Young's double slit experiment, if the separation between the slits decreases, what happens to the distance between the interference fringes?

    • It decreases.

    • It increases.

    • It remains the same.

    • There is not enough information to determine.

    Correct Answer
    A. It increases.
    Explanation
    When the separation between the slits decreases in a Young's double slit experiment, the distance between the interference fringes increases. This is because the interference pattern is determined by the wavelength of the light and the distance between the slits. As the slits get closer together, the distance between the fringes increases, resulting in a larger spacing between the bright and dark regions of the pattern.

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  • 7. 

    When a beam of light, which is traveling in glass, strikes an air boundary, there is

    • A 90° phase change in the reflected beam.

    • No phase change in the reflected beam.

    • A 180° phase change in the reflected beam.

    • A 45° phase change in the reflected beam.

    Correct Answer
    A. No phase change in the reflected beam.
    Explanation
    When a beam of light traveling in glass strikes an air boundary, there is no phase change in the reflected beam. This is because the refractive index of air is lower than that of glass, causing the light to undergo total internal reflection. In this process, the light wave does not cross the boundary and therefore does not experience a phase change.

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  • 8. 

    The polarization of sunlight is greatest at

    • Sunrise.

    • Sunset.

    • Both sunrise and sunset.

    • Midday.

    Correct Answer
    A. Both sunrise and sunset.
    Explanation
    The polarization of sunlight is greatest at both sunrise and sunset because the sun is closer to the horizon during these times. When sunlight passes through the Earth's atmosphere at a low angle, it undergoes scattering, which causes the light waves to align in a specific direction. This alignment creates polarization, where the light waves vibrate in a specific plane. Since the sun is at a low angle during sunrise and sunset, the scattering of sunlight is maximized, resulting in the highest polarization.

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  • 9. 

    Two thin slits are 0.050 mm apart. Monochromatic light of wavelength 634 nm falls on the slits. If there is a screen 6.0 m away, how far apart are adjacent interference fringes?

    • 0.76 mm

    • 7.6 mm

    • 7.6 cm

    • 76 cm

    Correct Answer
    A. 7.6 cm
    Explanation
    When monochromatic light passes through two thin slits, it creates an interference pattern on a screen. The distance between adjacent interference fringes can be calculated using the formula for fringe separation:

    Fringe separation = (wavelength * distance to screen) / distance between slits

    In this case, the wavelength of the light is given as 634 nm (or 6.34 x 10^-7 m), the distance to the screen is 6.0 m, and the distance between the slits is 0.050 mm (or 5.0 x 10^-5 m). Plugging these values into the formula, we get:

    Fringe separation = (6.34 x 10^-7 m * 6.0 m) / (5.0 x 10^-5 m) = 7.6 cm

    Therefore, the correct answer is 7.6 cm.

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  • 10. 

    A parallel light beam containing two wavelengths, 480 nm and 700 nm, strikes a plain piece of glass at an angle of incidence of 60°. The index of refraction of the glass is 1.4830 at 480 nm and 1.4760 at 700 nm. Determine the angle between the two beams in the glass.

    • 0.10°

    • 0.15°

    • 0.20°

    • 0.25°

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.20°
    Explanation
    When a light beam containing two wavelengths strikes a piece of glass, each wavelength will experience a different index of refraction due to the dispersion of the glass. As a result, the two beams will bend at different angles when entering the glass. The angle between the two beams in the glass can be determined using Snell's law, which states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the indices of refraction of the two media. By applying Snell's law to both wavelengths and subtracting the resulting angles of refraction, the angle between the two beams in the glass can be calculated. In this case, the angle is determined to be 0.20°.

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  • 11. 

    In a diffraction experiment, light of 600 nm wavelength produces a first-order maximum 0.350 mm from the central maximum on a distant screen. A second monochromatic source produces a third-order maximum 0.870 mm from the central maximum when it passes through the same diffraction grating. What is the wavelength of the light from the second source?

    • 479 nm

    • 497 nm

    • 749 nm

    • 794 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 497 nm
    Explanation
    The wavelength of light from the second source can be determined using the formula for the position of the nth-order maximum in a diffraction grating, which is given by:

    x = (n * λ * L) / d

    Where x is the distance from the central maximum, n is the order of the maximum, λ is the wavelength of light, L is the distance between the grating and the screen, and d is the spacing between the slits in the grating.

    In this case, we are given the values for the first-order maximum produced by the first source (n = 1, x = 0.350 mm) and the third-order maximum produced by the second source (n = 3, x = 0.870 mm).

    By setting up a ratio of the two equations and solving for λ, we can find the wavelength of the light from the second source. The calculation yields a value of approximately 497 nm.

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  • 12. 

    When a beam of light (wavelength = 590 nm), originally traveling in air, enters a piece of glass (index of refraction 1.50), its frequency

    • Increases by a factor of 1.50.

    • Is reduced to 2/3 its original value.

    • Is unaffected.

    • None of the given answers

    Correct Answer
    A. Is unaffected.
    Explanation
    When a beam of light enters a different medium, its wavelength changes but its frequency remains constant. The speed of light in a medium is given by the equation v = c/n, where v is the speed of light in the medium, c is the speed of light in a vacuum, and n is the refractive index of the medium. As the light enters the glass with a refractive index of 1.50, its speed decreases, causing its wavelength to decrease as well. However, since frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength, the frequency of the light remains unaffected. Therefore, the correct answer is that the frequency is unaffected.

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  • 13. 

    The principle which allows a rainbow to form is

    • Refraction.

    • Polarization.

    • Dispersion.

    • Total internal reflection.

    Correct Answer
    A. Dispersion.
    Explanation
    Dispersion is the principle that allows a rainbow to form. When sunlight passes through raindrops in the atmosphere, the different colors of light are refracted and separated due to their different wavelengths. This separation of colors creates the beautiful phenomenon of a rainbow. Refraction, polarization, and total internal reflection are not the correct principles for the formation of a rainbow.

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  • 14. 

    Light has a wavelength of 600 nm in a vacuum. It passes into glass, which has an index of refraction of 1.50. What is the speed of the light in the glass?

    • 3.0 * 10^8 m/s

    • 2.5 * 10^8 m/s

    • 2.0 * 10^8 m/s

    • 1.5 * 10^8 m/s

    Correct Answer
    A. 2.0 * 10^8 m/s
    Explanation
    When light passes from one medium to another, its speed changes. This change in speed is determined by the index of refraction of the second medium. In this question, the light passes from a vacuum (where its speed is 3.0 * 10^8 m/s) into glass (with an index of refraction of 1.50). The speed of light in the glass can be calculated by dividing the speed of light in a vacuum by the index of refraction of the glass. Therefore, the speed of light in the glass is 2.0 * 10^8 m/s.

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  • 15. 

    In a Young's double slit experiment, if the separation between the two slits is 0.050 mm and the distance from the slits to a screen is 2.5 m, find the spacing between the first-order and second-order bright fringes for light with wavelength of 600 nm.

    • 1.5 cm

    • 3.0 cm

    • 4.5 cm

    • 6.0 cm

    Correct Answer
    A. 3.0 cm
    Explanation
    In a Young's double slit experiment, the spacing between the bright fringes can be calculated using the formula:

    dλ = mλL/d

    Where:
    dλ is the spacing between the bright fringes
    m is the order of the bright fringe (in this case, first-order and second-order)
    λ is the wavelength of light
    L is the distance from the slits to the screen
    d is the separation between the two slits

    In this case, we are given:
    λ = 600 nm = 600 x 10^-9 m
    L = 2.5 m
    d = 0.050 mm = 0.050 x 10^-3 m

    For the first-order bright fringe (m = 1):
    dλ = (1)(600 x 10^-9 m)(2.5 m)/(0.050 x 10^-3 m) = 0.03 m = 3.0 cm

    Therefore, the spacing between the first-order and second-order bright fringes is 3.0 cm.

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  • 16. 

    A polarizer (with its preferred direction rotated 30° to the vertical) is placed in a beam of unpolarized light of intensity 1. After passing through the polarizer, the beam's intensity is

    • 0.25.

    • 0.50.

    • 0.87.

    • 0.75.

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.50.
    Explanation
    When unpolarized light passes through a polarizer, it becomes polarized in the direction of the polarizer's preferred direction. In this case, the polarizer's preferred direction is rotated 30° to the vertical. This means that only half of the light's intensity will pass through the polarizer, while the other half will be blocked. Therefore, the beam's intensity after passing through the polarizer will be 0.50.

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  • 17. 

    When a beam of light (wavelength = 590 nm), originally traveling in air, enters a piece of glass (index of refraction 1.50), its wavelength

    • Increases by a factor of 1.50.

    • Is reduced to 2/3 its original value.

    • Is unaffected.

    • None of the given answers

    Correct Answer
    A. Is reduced to 2/3 its original value.
    Explanation
    When a beam of light enters a medium with a higher refractive index, such as glass, its wavelength is reduced. This is known as wavelength reduction or wavelength shift. In this case, the light beam's wavelength is reduced to 2/3 of its original value when it enters the glass with an index of refraction of 1.50. This phenomenon is due to the change in speed of light as it travels through a different medium, causing the wavelength to decrease.

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  • 18. 

    What principle is responsible for alternating light and dark bands when light passes through two or more narrow slits?

    • Refraction

    • Polarization

    • Dispersion

    • Interference

    Correct Answer
    A. Interference
    Explanation
    Interference is the principle responsible for alternating light and dark bands when light passes through two or more narrow slits. This phenomenon occurs when waves from different slits overlap and either reinforce or cancel each other out, creating the pattern of light and dark bands.

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  • 19. 

    We have seen that two monochromatic light waves can interfere constructively or destructively, depending on their phase difference. One consequence of this phenomenon is

    • The colors you see when white light is reflected from a soap bubble.

    • The appearance of a mirage in the desert.

    • A rainbow.

    • The way in which Polaroid sunglasses work.

    • The formation of an image by a converging lens, such as the lens in your eye.

    Correct Answer
    A. The colors you see when white light is reflected from a soap bubble.
    Explanation
    When white light is reflected from a soap bubble, it undergoes interference. This is because the soap bubble acts as a thin film, causing the light waves to reflect and refract. The different wavelengths of light interfere constructively or destructively, resulting in the colors that we see. This phenomenon is similar to the interference of monochromatic light waves, where the phase difference determines whether the waves interfere constructively or destructively. Therefore, the colors seen when white light is reflected from a soap bubble are a consequence of interference.

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  • 20. 

    350 nm of light falls on a single slit of width 0.20 mm. What is the angular width of the central diffraction peak?

    • 0.10°

    • 0.15°

    • 0.20°

    • 0.30°

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.20°
    Explanation
    The angular width of the central diffraction peak can be calculated using the formula θ = λ / w, where θ is the angular width, λ is the wavelength of light, and w is the width of the slit. In this case, the wavelength of light is given as 350 nm and the width of the slit is given as 0.20 mm. Converting the width of the slit to meters, we get 0.20 mm = 0.20 x 10^(-3) m. Plugging these values into the formula, we get θ = (350 x 10^(-9) m) / (0.20 x 10^(-3) m) = 0.00175 radians. Converting radians to degrees, we get θ = 0.00175 x (180/π) = 0.0999°, which can be rounded to 0.10°. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.10°.

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  • 21. 

    Light of wavelength 687 nm is incident on a single slit 0.75 mm wide. At what distance from the slit should a screen be placed if the second dark fringe in the diffraction pattern is to be 1.7 mm from the center of the screen?

    • 0.39 m

    • 0.93 m

    • 1.1 m

    • 1.9 m

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.93 m
    Explanation
    To find the distance from the slit to the screen, we can use the formula for the position of the mth dark fringe in a single slit diffraction pattern:

    y = (m * λ * L) / w

    where y is the distance from the center of the screen to the fringe, λ is the wavelength of light, L is the distance from the slit to the screen, and w is the width of the slit.

    In this case, we are given that the second dark fringe is 1.7 mm from the center of the screen, the wavelength of light is 687 nm, and the width of the slit is 0.75 mm.

    Plugging in these values, we can solve for L:

    1.7 mm = (2 * 687 nm * L) / 0.75 mm

    Simplifying and converting units, we find that L is approximately 0.93 m. Therefore, the correct answer is 0.93 m.

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  • 22. 

    What principle is responsible for light spreading as it passes through a narrow slit?

    • Refraction

    • Polarization

    • Diffraction

    • Interference

    Correct Answer
    A. Diffraction
    Explanation
    Diffraction is the principle responsible for light spreading as it passes through a narrow slit. Diffraction occurs when light waves encounter an obstacle or aperture that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the light. As the light passes through the narrow slit, it bends around the edges, causing the light to spread out and create a pattern of bright and dark regions on a screen placed behind the slit. This phenomenon is commonly observed in experiments such as the double-slit experiment, where light waves exhibit interference patterns.

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  • 23. 

    In a double-slit experiment, it is observed that the distance between adjacent maxima on a remote screen is 1.0 cm. What happens to the distance between adjacent maxima when the slit separation is cut in half?

    • It increases to 2.0 cm.

    • It increases to 4.0 cm.

    • It decreases to 0.50 cm.

    • It decreases to 0.25 cm.

    Correct Answer
    A. It increases to 2.0 cm.
    Explanation
    When the slit separation is cut in half, the distance between adjacent maxima on the remote screen will increase to 2.0 cm. This is because the distance between adjacent maxima is directly proportional to the wavelength of the light used and inversely proportional to the slit separation. When the slit separation is halved, the distance between adjacent maxima will also be doubled.

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  • 24. 

    Light of wavelength 550 nm in vacuum is found to travel at 1.96 *10^8 m/s in a certain liquid. Determine the index of refraction of the liquid.

    • 0.65

    • 1.53

    • 1.96

    • 5.50

    Correct Answer
    A. 1.53
    Explanation
    The index of refraction of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when it travels through that medium compared to vacuum. In this question, the speed of light in the liquid is given as 1.96 *10^8 m/s, which is less than the speed of light in vacuum (3 * 10^8 m/s). To find the index of refraction, we can use the formula: index of refraction = speed of light in vacuum / speed of light in the medium. Plugging in the values, we get: index of refraction = (3 * 10^8 m/s) / (1.96 *10^8 m/s) = 1.53. Therefore, the correct answer is 1.53.

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  • 25. 

    When light illuminates a grating with 7000 lines per centimeter, its second order maximum is at 62.4°. What is the wavelength of the light?

    • 336 nm

    • 363 nm

    • 633 nm

    • 752 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 633 nm
    Explanation
    The second order maximum occurs when the path difference between adjacent slits is equal to one wavelength. In this case, the angle of the second order maximum is given as 62.4°. Using the formula for the path difference, we can calculate the wavelength of the light. The formula is given by: path difference = d * sin(theta), where d is the distance between adjacent slits and theta is the angle of the maximum. Rearranging the formula, we get: wavelength = path difference / sin(theta). Plugging in the values, we find that the wavelength is 633 nm.

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  • 26. 

    A diffraction grating has 5000 lines per cm. The angle between the central maximum and the fourth order maximum is 47.2°. What is the wavelength of the light?

    • 138 nm

    • 183 nm

    • 367 nm

    • 637 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 367 nm
    Explanation
    The angle between the central maximum and the fourth order maximum in a diffraction grating can be determined using the formula: sinθ = mλ/d, where θ is the angle, m is the order of the maximum, λ is the wavelength of light, and d is the spacing between the lines of the grating. Rearranging the formula to solve for λ, we have λ = d*sinθ/m. Given that the grating has 5000 lines per cm, or 50000 lines per meter, and the angle is 47.2°, we can substitute these values into the formula to find the wavelength. λ = (1/50000)*(sin(47.2°))/4 = 367 nm.

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  • 27. 

    Two beams of coherent light travel different paths arriving at point P. If the maximum destructive interference is to occur at point P, the two beams must

    • Travel paths that differ by a whole number of wavelengths.

    • Travel paths that differ by an odd number of half-wavelengths.

    Correct Answer
    A. Travel paths that differ by an odd number of half-wavelengths.
    Explanation
    To achieve destructive interference at point P, the two beams of coherent light must have a phase difference of half a wavelength. This means that the path lengths of the two beams must differ by an odd number of half-wavelengths. This is because when the two waves meet, the crests of one wave will coincide with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in destructive interference. If the path lengths differ by a whole number of wavelengths, the waves will be in phase and constructive interference will occur instead. Therefore, the correct answer is travel paths that differ by an odd number of half-wavelengths.

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  • 28. 

    Light has a wavelength of 600 nm in a vacuum. It passes into glass, which has an index of refraction of 1.50. What is the wavelength of the light in the glass?

    • 600 nm

    • 500 nm

    • 400 nm

    • 300 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 400 nm
    Explanation
    When light passes from one medium to another, its wavelength changes. This change is due to the change in the speed of light in different mediums. The index of refraction of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when it passes through that medium. In this case, the light passes from a vacuum (where its wavelength is 600 nm) to glass with an index of refraction of 1.50. Since the index of refraction is greater than 1, the wavelength of the light in the glass will be shorter than in a vacuum. Using the formula λ(glass) = λ(vacuum) / n(glass), where λ is the wavelength and n is the index of refraction, we can calculate that the wavelength of the light in the glass is 400 nm.

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  • 29. 

    Light of wavelength 575 nm falls on a double-slit and the third order bright fringe is seen at an angle of 6.5°. What is the separation between the double slits?

    • 5.0 μm

    • 10 μm

    • 15 μm

    • 20 μm

    Correct Answer
    A. 15 μm
    Explanation
    The separation between the double slits can be determined using the formula for fringe separation in a double-slit interference pattern: dλ = mλ / sinθ, where d is the separation between the slits, λ is the wavelength of light, m is the order of the bright fringe, and θ is the angle at which the fringe is observed. In this case, we are given that the wavelength is 575 nm and the third order bright fringe is observed at an angle of 6.5°. Plugging these values into the formula, we can solve for d, which gives us a separation of 15 μm.

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  • 30. 

    Monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm is incident normally on a grating. If the third-order maximum of the diffraction pattern is observed at 32.0°, what is the grating constant (distance between the slits)?

    • 0.93 μm

    • 1.4 μm

    • 2.8 μm

    • 8.5 μm

    Correct Answer
    A. 2.8 μm
    Explanation
    When monochromatic light of wavelength 500 nm is incident normally on a grating, the angle of diffraction for the third-order maximum can be determined using the equation d sinθ = mλ, where d is the grating constant, θ is the angle of diffraction, m is the order of the maximum, and λ is the wavelength of light. Rearranging the equation, we have d = (mλ) / sinθ. Plugging in the values m = 3, λ = 500 nm, and θ = 32.0°, we can calculate the grating constant as d = (3 * 500 nm) / sin(32.0°) = 2.8 μm. Therefore, the correct answer is 2.8 μm.

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  • 31. 

    A soap bubble has an index of refraction of 1.33. What minimum thickness of this bubble will ensure maximum reflectance of normally incident 530 nm wavelength light?

    • 24.9 nm

    • 99.6 nm

    • 199 nm

    • 398 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 99.6 nm
    Explanation
    The minimum thickness of the soap bubble that will ensure maximum reflectance of normally incident 530 nm wavelength light is 99.6 nm. The reflectance of light at the interface between two mediums depends on the phase change that occurs upon reflection. For maximum reflectance, the phase change must be an integer multiple of 2π. This can be achieved by adjusting the thickness of the medium. In this case, the index of refraction of the soap bubble is given as 1.33, and the wavelength of light is 530 nm. By using the formula for phase change, which is 2πnt/λ, where n is the index of refraction and t is the thickness, and solving for t, we can find the minimum thickness that satisfies the condition for maximum reflectance.

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  • 32. 

    At the first minima on either side of the central bright spot in a double-slit experiment, light from each opening arrives

    • In phase.

    • 90° out of phase.

    • 180° out of phase.

    • None of the given answers

    Correct Answer
    A. 180° out of phase.
    Explanation
    At the first minima on either side of the central bright spot in a double-slit experiment, the light waves from each opening interfere destructively. This means that the crests of one wave align with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in a phase difference of 180°. This phase difference causes the waves to cancel each other out, creating a dark fringe or minimum in the pattern. Therefore, the correct answer is that the light from each opening arrives 180° out of phase at the first minima.

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  • 33. 

    If a wave from one slit of a Young's double slit experiment arrives at a point on the screen one-half wavelength behind the wave from the other slit, which is observed at that point?

    • Bright fringe

    • Dark fringe

    • Gray fringe

    • Multi-colored fringe

    Correct Answer
    A. Dark fringe
    Explanation
    When the wave from one slit arrives at a point on the screen one-half wavelength behind the wave from the other slit, they will be out of phase and interfere destructively. This means that the crests of one wave will coincide with the troughs of the other wave, resulting in cancellation of the amplitudes. As a result, the intensity of light at that point will be minimum, creating a dark fringe.

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  • 34. 

    What principle is responsible for the fact that certain sunglasses can reduce glare from reflected surfaces?

    • Refraction

    • Polarization

    • Diffraction

    • Total internal reflection

    Correct Answer
    A. Polarization
    Explanation
    Polarization is responsible for reducing glare from reflected surfaces in certain sunglasses. When light reflects off a surface, it becomes polarized, meaning the light waves vibrate in a specific direction. Polarized sunglasses have a special filter that blocks this horizontally polarized light, reducing glare and improving visibility.

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  • 35. 

    For a beam of light, the direction of polarization is defined as

    • The beam's direction of travel.

    • The direction of the electric field's vibration.

    • The direction of the magnetic field's vibration.

    • The direction that is mutually perpendicular to the electric and magnetic field vectors.

    Correct Answer
    A. The direction of the electric field's vibration.
    Explanation
    The direction of polarization for a beam of light is defined as the direction of the electric field's vibration. This means that as the light wave propagates, the electric field oscillates in a specific direction. The direction of polarization is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the light and is determined by the orientation of the electric field vector. The direction of the magnetic field's vibration is not relevant to the polarization of light.

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  • 36. 

    Light of wavelength 610 nm is incident on a slit 0.20 mm wide and the diffraction pattern is produced on a screen that is 1.5 m from the slit. What is the width of the central maximum?

    • 0.34 cm

    • 0.68 cm

    • 0.92 cm

    • 1.2 cm

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.92 cm
    Explanation
    The width of the central maximum in a diffraction pattern can be calculated using the formula:

    Width of central maximum = (wavelength x distance to screen) / width of the slit

    Plugging in the given values: wavelength = 610 nm = 610 x 10^-9 m, distance to screen = 1.5 m, and width of the slit = 0.20 mm = 0.20 x 10^-3 m, we can calculate:

    Width of central maximum = (610 x 10^-9 m x 1.5 m) / (0.20 x 10^-3 m) = 0.915 m = 0.92 cm

    Therefore, the width of the central maximum is 0.92 cm.

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  • 37. 

    Radio waves are diffracted by large objects such as buildings, whereas light is not noticeably diffracted. Why is this?

    • Radio waves are unpolarized, whereas light is plane polarized.

    • The wavelength of light is much smaller than the wavelength of radio waves.

    • The wavelength of light is much greater than the wavelength of radio waves.

    • Radio waves are coherent and light is usually not coherent.

    Correct Answer
    A. The wavelength of light is much smaller than the wavelength of radio waves.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the wavelength of light is much smaller than the wavelength of radio waves. This is because diffraction occurs when waves encounter an obstacle or aperture that is comparable in size to their wavelength. Since the wavelength of light is much smaller than that of radio waves, light waves are not noticeably diffracted by large objects such as buildings.

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  • 38. 

    An ideal polarizer is placed in a beam of unpolarized light and the intensity of the transmitted light is 1. A second ideal polarizer is placed in the beam with its referred direction rotated 40° to that of the first polarizer. What is the intensity of the beam after it has passed through both polarizers?

    • 0.77

    • 0.64

    • 0.59

    • 0.41

    Correct Answer
    A. 0.59
    Explanation
    When unpolarized light passes through an ideal polarizer, the intensity of the transmitted light becomes half of the original intensity. In this case, the first polarizer reduces the intensity to 0.5. When the second polarizer is placed with its referred direction rotated 40° to the first polarizer, it further reduces the intensity by cos²(40°) = 0.59. Therefore, the intensity of the beam after passing through both polarizers is 0.59.

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  • 39. 

    The wave theory of light is attributed to

    • Christian Huygens.

    • Isaac Newton.

    • Max Planck.

    • Albert Einstein.

    Correct Answer
    A. Christian Huygens.
    Explanation
    The wave theory of light is attributed to Christian Huygens. Huygens proposed that light is a wave that travels through a medium, similar to how waves travel through water. This theory explained various phenomena related to light, such as diffraction and interference. Isaac Newton, on the other hand, proposed the particle theory of light, suggesting that light consists of tiny particles called corpuscles. Max Planck and Albert Einstein made significant contributions to the field of physics, but their work was primarily related to quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity, respectively, rather than the wave theory of light.

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  • 40. 

    Two light sources are said to be coherent if they

    • Are of the same frequency.

    • Are of the same frequency, and maintain a constant phase difference.

    • Are of the same amplitude, and maintain a constant phase difference.

    • Are of the same frequency and amplitude.

    Correct Answer
    A. Are of the same frequency, and maintain a constant phase difference.
    Explanation
    Two light sources are said to be coherent if they are of the same frequency and maintain a constant phase difference. Coherence refers to the relationship between the waves emitted by the two sources. If the frequencies are the same, it means that the waves have the same number of oscillations per unit time. Additionally, maintaining a constant phase difference means that the peaks and troughs of the waves from both sources align consistently. This coherence allows for constructive and destructive interference, which is important in phenomena such as interference patterns and diffraction.

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  • 41. 

    At the second maxima on either side of the central bright spot in a double-slit experiment, light from

    • Each opening travels the same distance.

    • One opening travels twice as far as light from the other opening.

    • One opening travels one wavelength of light farther than light from the other opening.

    • One opening travels two wavelengths of light farther than light from the other opening.

    Correct Answer
    A. One opening travels two wavelengths of light farther than light from the other opening.
    Explanation
    In a double-slit experiment, the second maxima on either side of the central bright spot occurs when the path difference between the two slits is equal to two wavelengths of light. This means that one opening travels two wavelengths of light farther than the other opening. This path difference leads to constructive interference, resulting in a bright spot.

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  • 42. 

    The principle which explains why a prism separates white light into different colors is

    • Refraction.

    • Polarization.

    • Dispersion.

    • Total internal reflection.

    Correct Answer
    A. Dispersion.
    Explanation
    Dispersion is the principle that explains why a prism separates white light into different colors. When white light passes through a prism, it is refracted at different angles depending on its wavelength. This causes the different colors of light to spread out, creating a spectrum. This phenomenon occurs because different wavelengths of light bend at different angles when passing through a medium, such as a prism. Therefore, dispersion is the correct answer as it accurately describes the process by which a prism separates white light into different colors.

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  • 43. 

    In a double-slit experiment, the slit separation is 2.0 mm, and two wavelengths, 750 nm and 900 nm, illuminate the slits. A screen is placed 2.0 m from the slits. At what distance from the central maximum on the screen will a bright fringe from one pattern first coincide with a bright fringe from the other?

    • 1.5 mm

    • 3.0 mm

    • 4.5 mm

    • 6.0 mm

    Correct Answer
    A. 4.5 mm
    Explanation
    In a double-slit experiment, the bright fringes occur when the path difference between the two waves is equal to an integer multiple of the wavelength. The path difference can be calculated using the formula d*sin(theta), where d is the slit separation and theta is the angle between the central maximum and the bright fringe. Since the two wavelengths are different, the angles at which the bright fringes occur will also be different. To find the distance from the central maximum where the bright fringes coincide, we need to find the smallest angle at which both wavelengths produce a bright fringe. By using the formula d*sin(theta) = m*lambda, where m is the order of the fringe, we can calculate the angle for each wavelength and find the smallest angle. Finally, we can use the formula d*tan(theta) to find the distance on the screen, which is approximately 4.5 mm.

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  • 44. 

    When the transmission axes of two Polaroid films are perpendicular to each other, what is the percentage of the incident light which will pass the two films?

    • 0%

    • 25%

    • 50%

    • 75%

    Correct Answer
    A. 0%
    Explanation
    When the transmission axes of two Polaroid films are perpendicular to each other, no light can pass through both films. This is because the polarization of the light is blocked by the first film, and the second film is oriented in a way that it cannot allow the polarized light to pass through. Therefore, the percentage of incident light that will pass through the two films is 0%.

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  • 45. 

    Which of the following is a false statement?

    • All points on a given wave front have the same phase.

    • Rays are always perpendicular to wave fronts.

    • All wave fronts have the same amplitude.

    • The spacing between adjacent wave fronts is one-half wavelength.

    Correct Answer
    A. All wave fronts have the same amplitude.
    Explanation
    The statement "All wave fronts have the same amplitude" is false because wave fronts represent the crests or troughs of a wave, while amplitude refers to the height or intensity of the wave. Wave fronts can have different amplitudes depending on the energy or magnitude of the wave at a particular point.

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  • 46. 

    Light with wavelength slightly longer than 750 nm is called

    • Ultraviolet light.

    • Visible light.

    • Infrared light.

    • None of the given answers

    Correct Answer
    A. Infrared light.
    Explanation
    Infrared light refers to light with a wavelength slightly longer than 750 nm. Ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength, while visible light falls within the range of wavelengths that can be detected by the human eye. Therefore, the correct answer is infrared light.

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  • 47. 

    A person gazes at a very distant light source. If she now holds up two fingers, with a very small gap between them, and looks at the light source, she will see

    • The same thing as without the fingers, but dimmer.

    • A series of bright spots.

    • A sequence of closely spaced bright lines.

    • A hazy band of light varying from red at one side to blue or violet at the other.

    Correct Answer
    A. A sequence of closely spaced bright lines.
    Explanation
    When a person gazes at a very distant light source and holds up two fingers with a small gap between them, they will see a phenomenon called diffraction. Diffraction causes the light waves to bend around the edges of the fingers, creating a pattern of closely spaced bright lines. This occurs because the gap between the fingers acts as a narrow slit, causing the light to spread out and interfere with itself, resulting in the formation of the bright lines.

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  • 48. 

    What is the minimum thickness of a nonreflecting film coating (n = 1.30) on a glass lens (n = 1.50) for wavelength 500 nm?

    • 250 nm

    • 192 nm

    • 167 nm

    • 96.2 nm

    Correct Answer
    A. 96.2 nm
    Explanation
    The minimum thickness of a nonreflecting film coating can be calculated using the formula: minimum thickness = (wavelength / 4) / (n2 - n1), where n2 is the refractive index of the coating and n1 is the refractive index of the lens. Plugging in the values, we get (500 nm / 4) / (1.30 - 1.50) = 96.2 nm. Therefore, the correct answer is 96.2 nm.

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  • 49. 

    A beam of white light is incident on a thick glass plate with parallel sides, at an angle between 0° and 90° with the normal. Which color emerges from the other side first?

    • Red

    • Green

    • Violet

    • None of the given; all colors emerge at the same time.

    Correct Answer
    A. None of the given; all colors emerge at the same time.
    Explanation
    When white light passes through a thick glass plate, it undergoes dispersion, which means that the different colors in the white light are separated. This is because different colors have different wavelengths and therefore different indices of refraction in the glass. However, since the glass plate has parallel sides, the different colors will all emerge from the other side at the same time. This is because the parallel sides of the glass plate ensure that the different colors of light travel the same distance through the glass and therefore experience the same amount of refraction. Therefore, none of the given colors (red, green, violet) emerge first; they all emerge simultaneously.

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Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 21, 2023 +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Nov 13, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Drtaylor

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