Waves and Sound - SS2 Physics Past Questions and Answers - page 4
Which of the following phenomena is responsible for the formation of rainbows?
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
When a wave encounters an obstacle or passes through a narrow opening and spreads out, it is an example of:
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
Which of the following best describes the behaviour of waves when they encounter a rough surface?
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Absorption
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection for which type of wave interaction?
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
The change in direction of a wave as it passes through an interface between two different media is called:
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
The phenomenon in which two or more waves combine to form a new wave with a larger or smaller amplitude is called:
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Interference
The phenomenon of light bending around obstacles and spreading into the shadow region is an example of:
Reflection
Refraction
Diffraction
Absorption
When a wave passes from a medium with a lower refractive index to a medium with a higher refractive index, it:
Speeds up
Slows down
Does not change speed
Changes direction
Describe the phenomenon of reflection and discuss its applications in everyday life.
Reflection is the bouncing back of waves when they encounter a surface or boundary. When a wave encounters a reflective surface, it changes direction and returns to the original medium. This phenomenon is widely observed in daily life. For example, when we look into a mirror, light waves from our face are reflected off the mirror's surface and into our eyes, allowing us to see our reflection. Reflection is also utilised in various optical devices such as telescopes, periscopes, and retroreflectors. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in the functioning of radar systems and ultrasound imaging.
Explain the concept of refraction and discuss its significance in the field of optics.
Refraction refers to the bending of waves as they pass from one medium to another, resulting in a change in their direction and speed. This phenomenon occurs due to the change in the wave's velocity when it encounters a boundary between two media with different refractive indices. The degree of bending depends on the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the media involved. Refraction is a fundamental concept in optics as it governs the behaviour of light when it passes through lenses, prisms, and other optical devices. It enables the focusing of light, formation of images, and the correction of vision in eyeglasses.