Question 1

A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.71. Calculate the angle of emergence out of the prism for a ray that enters one side at an angle almost parallel to one face, i.e. at 90$\degree$ to the normal.
A) 24.3$\degree$
B) 35.8$\degree$
C) 45.1$\degree$
D) 48.7$\degree$
E) 55.3$\degree$

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index...

Question 2

One would not attempt to polarize light by
A) selective absorption.
B) reflection from a surface.
C) passage through a narrow slit.
D) scattering.
E) double refraction.

Accepted Answer

Polarization of light can be achieved through methods such as selective absorption (polaroid filters), reflection (Brewster's angle), scattering (Rayleigh scattering), and double refraction (birefringence). However, simply passing light through a narrow slit does not polarize light; it mainly affects the light's diffraction pattern.

Question 3

Light is incident at an angle of 60$\degree$ at an air to glass interface. If the angle of refraction inside the glass is 32$\degree$, then calculate the speed of light within the glass. A) 3.00 * 10⁸ m/s B) 1.77 * 10⁸ m/s C) 4.90 * 10⁸ m/s D) 1.84 * 10⁸ m/s E) 1.62 * 10⁸ m/s

Accepted Answer

The answer of Light is incident at an angle of...

Question 4

Which of the following is not a phenomenon by which polarized light can be produced from unpolarized light?
A) absorption
B) reflection
C) birefringence
D) diffraction
E) scattering

Accepted Answer

Diffraction does not produce polarized light. It is a phenomenon in which light waves bend and spread out as they encounter an obstacle or aperture. Polarization can be produced by absorption, reflection, birefringence, and scattering.

Question 5

Light is reflected from the surface of a lake (n = 1.33). What is the angle of incidence for which the reflected light is 100 percent polarized?
A) 53º
B) 49º
C) 45º
D) 41º
E) 37º

Accepted Answer

For light reflected from a non-conducting surface (like the surface of a lake), the angle of incidence at which light is 100% polarized is given by Brewster's Law: tanθp = n, where θp is the polarizing angle and n is the refractive index of the medium the light is entering from. 
Plugging in n = 1.33 (the refractive index of water) gives us tanθp = 1.33, which gives us θp ≈ 53º. 
Therefore, the correct choice is A).

Question 6

In any wave motion, dependence of velocity on wavelength is called
A) polarization
B) deviation
C) dispersion
D) diffraction
E) scattering

Accepted Answer

The dependence of velocity on wavelength is called dispersion. This is commonly seen in waves such as light and sound, where different wavelengths have different velocities, leading to effects such as refraction and the separation of white light into its constituent colors. Polarization refers to the orientation of wave oscillations, deviation refers to the angle of deviation of light waves as they pass through a medium, diffraction refers to the bending of waves around obstacles, and scattering refers to the redirection of waves in multiple directions after encountering an obstacle. None of these directly relate to the dependence of velocity on wavelength.

Question 7

If you look at a dot on a piece of paper through a calcite crystal lying on the paper, you will see two images of the dot, one of which appears to be nearer to you than the other. From this evidence you can conclude that
A) the beams from both images are polarized.
B) calcite has different indices of refraction for the two beams.
C) there is interference between the two beams.
D) the calcite has increased the resolving power of your eye.
E) the appearance is due to diffraction.

Accepted Answer

The phenomenon described in the question is called double refraction, and it occurs because calcite crystal has different indices of refraction for light polarized in different directions. This means that when light passes through the crystal, it splits into two beams, each of which travels at a different speed and direction. As a result, when you look at a dot through a calcite crystal, you see two images of the dot, one of which is displaced from the other. This effect can be used in polarizing filters and other optical instruments. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.

Question 8

A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of incidence for the initial red and blue light ray that is refracted inside the prism and just undergoes total internal reflection at the opposite face of the prism.
A) 4.1$\degree$
B) 1.5$\degree$
C) 3.2$\degree$
D) 2.4$\degree$
E) 0.4$\degree$

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index...

Question 9

The dependence of the index of refraction on wavelength is called dispersion. A beam of light (in air) containing red and blue light is incident at an angle of 35$\degree$0 on a glass plate that has an index of refraction of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. By what percent does the speed of the red light exceed that of the blue light inside the glass, i.e. calculate (v(red)-v(blue) ) * 100 / v(red)?
A) 1.1%
B) 1.8%
C) 0.53%
D) The speed is the same for both colors.
E) 0.019%

Accepted Answer

The speed of light in a medium is given by $v = \frac{c}{n}$, where $c$ is the speed of light in vacuum and $n$ is the index of refraction. For red light, $v_{\text{red}} = \frac{c}{1.61}$ and for blue light, $v_{\text{blue}} = \frac{c}{1.64}$. The percent difference in speed is calculated as $\frac{v_{\text{red}} - v_{\text{blue}}}{v_{\text{red}}} \times 100$. Given that the indices of refraction for red and blue light are 1.61 and 1.64 respectively, the speed of red light is slightly higher than that of blue light due to its lower index of refraction. Calculating the exact percentage gives a result close to 1.8%.

Question 10

The dependence of the index of refraction on wavelength is called dispersion. A beam of light (in air) containing red and blue light is incident at an angle of 35$\degree$ on a glass plate that has an index of refraction of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the angle between the red and blue light inside the glass.
A) 1.3$\degree$
B) 0.40$\degree$
C) 0.56$\degree$
D) 0.74$\degree$
E) 0.13$\degree$

Accepted Answer

To find the angle between the red and blue light inside the glass, we use Snell's law, $n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)$, where $n_1$ and $n_2$ are the indices of refraction of the first and second medium, respectively, and $\theta_1$ and $\theta_2$ are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively. Given that the index of refraction for blue light is 1.64 and for red light is 1.61, and the angle of incidence is 35 degrees, we can calculate the angles of refraction for both colors inside the glass. The difference between these angles gives the dispersion angle between the red and blue light inside the glass. Calculating these angles and their difference yields an angle of approximately 0.40 degrees, making option B the correct answer.

Question 11

Plane-polarized light cannot be produced by
A) dispersion
B) dichroism
C) reflection
D) scattering
E) refraction

Accepted Answer

The answer of Plane-polarized light cannot be produced by
A) dispersion
B)...

Question 12

Light is an electromagnetic wave. When visible light is plane polarized,
A) the electric-field vector is parallel to the magnetic-field vector.
B) the electric-field vector is parallel to the direction of propagation.
C) the electric-field vector is in a fixed direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation, but the magnetic-field vector may be in any direction.
D) the electric-field vector is in a fixed direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the magnetic-field vector is perpendicular to the electric-field vector.
E) None of these is correct.

Accepted Answer

When visible light is plane polarized, the electric-field vector is in a fixed direction perpendicular to the direction of propagation, and the magnetic-field vector is perpendicular to the electric-field vector. This is known as the transverse nature of electromagnetic waves. Therefore, option D is the correct choice.

Question 13

Two polarizers have their transmission axes at an angle $\theta$. Unpolarized light of intensity I is incident on the first polarizer. What is the intensity of the light transmitted by the second polarizer? A) I cos² $\theta$ B) 0.5I cos² $\theta$ C) 0.25I cos²$\theta$ D) I cos$\theta$ E) 0.25I cos$\theta$

Accepted Answer

The intensity of light transmitted through two polarizers is given by Malus's law, which states that the intensity of polarized light after passing through a polarizer is I = I0 cos^2(θ), where I0 is the initial intensity and θ is the angle between the light's polarization direction and the polarizer's axis. For unpolarized light incident on the first polarizer, the intensity is reduced to half (I0/2), and then the second polarizer further reduces it according to the cosine squared of the angle between the polarizers. Therefore, the correct formula is 0.5I cos^2(θ), matching choice B.

Question 14

A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of emergence from the opposite face of the prism for a beam of red and a beam of blue light that are both incident at an angle of 60^o. A) 0.4$\degree$ B) 0.0$\degree$ C) 1.3$\degree$ D) 3.9$\degree$ E) 2.7$\degree$

Accepted Answer

The answer of A 60$\degree$ prism has a refractive index...

Question 15

The index of refraction of a sample of glass cannot be determined by measuring the
A) Brewster's angle.
B) critical angle.
C) angle of minimum deviation.
D) ratio of true to apparent depth.
E) angle of dispersion between red and violet light.

Accepted Answer

The index of refraction of a sample of glass can be determined by measuring Brewster's angle, critical angle, angle of minimum deviation, and the ratio of true to apparent depth. However, the angle of dispersion between red and violet light is related to the material's dispersion (variation of refractive index with wavelength) rather than its absolute index of refraction.

Question 16

The fact that light can be polarized shows that it must be
A) a wave motion.
B) a transverse wave.
C) a longitudinal wave.
D) transmitted by waves of very short length.
E) monochromatic.

Accepted Answer

Only transverse waves can be polarized, so the fact that light can be polarized means it must be a transverse wave.

Question 17

The index of refraction of water is approximately 1.33. The angle of incidence for maximum polarization by reflection from water is approximately
A) 57º
B) 53º
C) 45º
D) 37º
E) 33º

Accepted Answer

For maximum polarization by reflection from a dielectric (in this case water), the angle of incidence should be equal to the Brewster's angle which is given by $	an^{-1}(n)$ where $n$ is the index of refraction. In this case, the Brewster's angle is approximately 53º. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

Question 18

Light known to be polarized in the horizontal direction is incident on a polarizing sheet. It is observed that only 15 percent of the intensity of the incident light is transmitted through the sheet. What angle does the transmission axis of the sheet make with the horizontal?
A) 8.6º
B) 21º
C) 23º
D) 67º
E) 81º

Accepted Answer

The answer of Light known to be polarized in the...

Question 19

When taking a picture of a highly reflecting surface, it is desirable to use a polarizer in front of the camera to cut down on the "glare". Suppose you are taking a picture of a lake where the water is very still. The polarizing axis of the polarizer should ideally be oriented
A) horizontally.
B) vertically.
C) at 30$\degree$.
D) at 45$\degree$.
E) in any direction.

Accepted Answer

When taking a picture of a highly reflecting surface, such as a still lake, the ideal orientation of the polarizing axis of the polarizer should be perpendicular to the direction of the reflected light. In this case, the reflected light is mostly vertically polarized, so the polarizing axis should be oriented vertically to cut down on the glare.

Question 20

The index of refraction of plate glass is 1.50. The polarizing angle for light incident from air is
A) 8.6º
B) 33.7º
C) 56.3º
D) 81.5º
E) 90º

Accepted Answer

The answer of The index of refraction of plate glass...

Quiz 11: Properties of Light

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.71. Calculate the angle of emergence out of the prism for a ray that enters one side at an angle almost parallel to one face, i.e. at 90 $\degree$ to the normal.

One would not attempt to polarize light by

Light is incident at an angle of 60 $\degree$ at an air to glass interface. If the angle of refraction inside the glass is 32 $\degree$ , then calculate the speed of light within the glass.

Which of the following is not a phenomenon by which polarized light can be produced from unpolarized light?

Light is reflected from the surface of a lake (n = 1.33) . What is the angle of incidence for which the reflected light is 100 percent polarized?

In any wave motion, dependence of velocity on wavelength is called

If you look at a dot on a piece of paper through a calcite crystal lying on the paper, you will see two images of the dot, one of which appears to be nearer to you than the other. From this evidence you can conclude that

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of incidence for the initial red and blue light ray that is refracted inside the prism and just undergoes total internal reflection at the opposite face of the prism.

Plane-polarized light cannot be produced by

Light is an electromagnetic wave. When visible light is plane polarized,

Two polarizers have their transmission axes at an angle $\theta$ . Unpolarized light of intensity I is incident on the first polarizer. What is the intensity of the light transmitted by the second polarizer?

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of emergence from the opposite face of the prism for a beam of red and a beam of blue light that are both incident at an angle of 60^o.

The index of refraction of a sample of glass cannot be determined by measuring the

The fact that light can be polarized shows that it must be

The index of refraction of water is approximately 1.33. The angle of incidence for maximum polarization by reflection from water is approximately

Light known to be polarized in the horizontal direction is incident on a polarizing sheet. It is observed that only 15 percent of the intensity of the incident light is transmitted through the sheet. What angle does the transmission axis of the sheet make with the horizontal?

When taking a picture of a highly reflecting surface, it is desirable to use a polarizer in front of the camera to cut down on the "glare". Suppose you are taking a picture of a lake where the water is very still. The polarizing axis of the polarizer should ideally be oriented

The index of refraction of plate glass is 1.50. The polarizing angle for light incident from air is

Quiz 11: Properties of Light

A 60 °\degree° prism has a refractive index of 1.71. Calculate the angle of emergence out of the prism for a ray that enters one side at an angle almost parallel to one face, i.e. at 90 °\degree° to the normal.

One would not attempt to polarize light by

Light is incident at an angle of 60 °\degree° at an air to glass interface. If the angle of refraction inside the glass is 32 °\degree° , then calculate the speed of light within the glass.

Which of the following is not a phenomenon by which polarized light can be produced from unpolarized light?

Light is reflected from the surface of a lake (n = 1.33) . What is the angle of incidence for which the reflected light is 100 percent polarized?

In any wave motion, dependence of velocity on wavelength is called

If you look at a dot on a piece of paper through a calcite crystal lying on the paper, you will see two images of the dot, one of which appears to be nearer to you than the other. From this evidence you can conclude that

A 60 °\degree° prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of incidence for the initial red and blue light ray that is refracted inside the prism and just undergoes total internal reflection at the opposite face of the prism.

Plane-polarized light cannot be produced by

Light is an electromagnetic wave. When visible light is plane polarized,

Two polarizers have their transmission axes at an angle θ\thetaθ . Unpolarized light of intensity I is incident on the first polarizer. What is the intensity of the light transmitted by the second polarizer?

A 60 °\degree° prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of emergence from the opposite face of the prism for a beam of red and a beam of blue light that are both incident at an angle of 60o.

The index of refraction of a sample of glass cannot be determined by measuring the

The fact that light can be polarized shows that it must be

The index of refraction of water is approximately 1.33. The angle of incidence for maximum polarization by reflection from water is approximately

Light known to be polarized in the horizontal direction is incident on a polarizing sheet. It is observed that only 15 percent of the intensity of the incident light is transmitted through the sheet. What angle does the transmission axis of the sheet make with the horizontal?

When taking a picture of a highly reflecting surface, it is desirable to use a polarizer in front of the camera to cut down on the "glare". Suppose you are taking a picture of a lake where the water is very still. The polarizing axis of the polarizer should ideally be oriented

The index of refraction of plate glass is 1.50. The polarizing angle for light incident from air is

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.71. Calculate the angle of emergence out of the prism for a ray that enters one side at an angle almost parallel to one face, i.e. at 90 $\degree$ to the normal.

Light is incident at an angle of 60 $\degree$ at an air to glass interface. If the angle of refraction inside the glass is 32 $\degree$ , then calculate the speed of light within the glass.

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of incidence for the initial red and blue light ray that is refracted inside the prism and just undergoes total internal reflection at the opposite face of the prism.

Two polarizers have their transmission axes at an angle $\theta$ . Unpolarized light of intensity I is incident on the first polarizer. What is the intensity of the light transmitted by the second polarizer?

A 60 $\degree$ prism has a refractive index of 1.64 for blue light and 1.61 for red light. Calculate the difference in the angle of emergence from the opposite face of the prism for a beam of red and a beam of blue light that are both incident at an angle of 60^o.