Light and Optics Flashcards

Grade 6 · Science · Flashcards

Study key vocabulary and concepts about light, its properties, and how it interacts with matter.

Flashcards

Light: A form of electromagnetic energy that travels as waves at 300,000 km/s in a vacuum.
Reflection: Light bouncing off a surface; the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Refraction: Light bending when it passes from one medium to another of different optical density.
Dispersion: The separation of white light into its component colors when passing through a prism or water droplets.
Visible spectrum: The range of light wavelengths detectable by the human eye: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet.
Transparent: Allows light to pass through clearly without significant scattering (e.g., clear glass, water).
Opaque: Blocks light entirely; casts a shadow (e.g., wood, metal, cardboard).
Translucent: Allows some light through but scatters it, creating a diffuse glow (e.g., frosted glass, wax paper).
Specular reflection: Mirror-like reflection from a smooth surface, where light bounces in a predictable direction.
Diffuse reflection: Scattering of light in many directions from a rough surface.
Prism: A transparent triangular glass or plastic object that refracts and disperses light into its spectrum.
Convex lens: A lens thicker in the middle that converges (bends inward) light rays to a focal point.
Concave lens: A lens thinner in the middle that diverges (spreads out) light rays.
Electromagnetic spectrum: The full range of electromagnetic radiation, from radio waves to gamma rays; visible light is a small portion.