EM Spectrum and Light Quiz
Do NOT write on this paper. Write your answers in your notebook.
1- What is the effect of rubbing sunblock into your skin?
a. It blocks out compressional waves from the sun
b. It blocks out ultraviolet waves from the sun
c. It blocks out infrared waves from the sun
d. It blocks out gamma waves from the sun
2- Why does a prism separate white light into the rainbow colors?
a. different wavelengths of light are bent different amounts
b. the prism acts differently on waves of different amplitude
c. different speeds of light are affected differently
d. the prism changes the amplitude of each of the wavelengths
3- Study the drawings. If these represent three electromagnetic (light) waves, how could you make wave C look more like wave B?
a. decrease the amplitude
b. increase the amplitude
c. decrease the frequency
d. increase the frequency
4- The first space probe sent to Venus was equipped with optical cameras. Because of the thick layer of clouds that surrounds Venus, pictures of the planet’s surface could not be obtained. Years later, after X-ray photographic technology was developed, another space probe was sent to Venus. This probe was equipped with X-ray cameras. The new probe was successful in mapping the surface of Venus because X-rays have shorter wavelengths than visible light and therefore have more energy to penetrate the clouds. Which relationship between science and technology does this example illustrate?
a. scientific discoveries lead to changes in technology
b. scientific discoveries have no effect on technology
c. changes in technology lead to scientific discoveries
d. changes in technology have no effect on science
5- You view an American flag through sunglasses that are tinted green. What colors do you see?
a. green b. black c. green and black d. red and blue
6- Electromagnetic waves are transverse waves that transfer
a. sound energy b. photons c. electrical and magnetic energy d. particles
7- Light that vibrates in only one direction is called
a. luminous b. illuminated c. visible light d. polarized
8- The moon does not give off its own light. You can infer that the moon
a. is luminous b. has no atmosphere c. is illuminated d. is incandescent
9- Ultraviolet rays from the sun are able to reach earth’s surface because
a. they require air to travel through b. they have more energy than infrared rays
c. they can travel through empty space d. they can penetrate through clouds
10- The amount of energy carried by an electromagnetic wave increases with frequency. Which of the following groups of waves is listed correctly in order of increasing energy?
a. X-rays, visible light, radio waves
b. radio waves, visible light, X-rays
c. infrared rays, visible light, radio waves
d. visible light, gamma rays, X-rays
11- Microwaves are a type of
a. radio waves b. X-rays c. visible light d. ultraviolet rays
12- Explain how a spectrum is formed when white light passes through a prism. In your answer, explain what white light is composed of. (3 pts)
15- Which of these is most efficient:
a. incandescent light bulb b. halogen bulb c. fluorescent light
16- Gamma rays can cause more harm than X-rays. Explain why. (2 pts)
18- Radar is a system that uses reflected radio waves to
a. detect objects and measure their speed b. kill bacteria
c. carry AM radio signals d. cook food
19- True or False Electromagnetic waves that you can see are called infrared light waves.
20- True or False In the photoelectric effect, light strikes a material and causes electrons to be ejected.