Optics and Light Quiz: 15 Physics Questions
Light is both a wave and a particle, and it shapes how we perceive the world. From rainbows to lasers, and optical fibres too, optics is everywhere. Ready to shed some light on your knowledge?
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Frequently asked questions: Optics & Light
A preview of what awaits you in this optics & light quiz: 15 multiple choice questions, each with a detailed explanation so you learn as you play. Here are a few sample questions (and their answers, no peeking before you play!).
What is the speed of light in a vacuum?
Answer: 300,000 km/s. Light travels at about 299,792 km/s in a vacuum, often rounded to 300,000 km/s. It is the maximum speed in the universe according to Einstein's theory of relativity.
Which scientist demonstrated that a prism splits white light?
Answer: Isaac Newton. In 1666, Isaac Newton demonstrated that white light is made up of all the colours of the visible spectrum by passing it through a glass prism. This experiment revolutionised optics.
Which type of lens is used to correct short-sightedness?
Answer: A diverging lens. Short-sightedness is corrected by diverging (concave) lenses, which spread out the light rays before they reach the eye. The image is then formed on the retina instead of in front of it.
What is the approximate wavelength of red light?
Answer: 700 nanometres. Red light has a wavelength of about 620 to 750 nanometres, the longest in the visible spectrum. At the other end, violet has a wavelength of about 380 to 450 nanometres.
Which colour of light has the most energy in the visible spectrum?
Answer: Violet. Violet has the highest energy in the visible spectrum because its wavelength is the shortest (about 400 nm). A photon's energy is inversely proportional to its wavelength according to the formula E = hf.
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