7.1 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Technical Sciences - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
7.1 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow.
7.1.1 Define the term dispersion of light.
7.1.2 Identify the colours represented by numbers 3 ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:7.1 Study the diagram below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Technical Sciences - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Define the term dispersion of light.
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Answer
Dispersion of light refers to the phenomenon whereby white light breaks up (or spreads out) into its component colors. This occurs because different wavelengths of light are refracted by different amounts when passing through a medium such as a prism.
Step 2
Identify the colours represented by numbers 3 and 6.
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Answer
The color represented by number 3 is yellow, and the color represented by number 6 is indigo.
Step 3
Which wave property of light is responsible for the dispersion?
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Answer
The wave property responsible for dispersion is refraction. This occurs as light enters and exits the prism, bending at different angles based on the wavelength of each color.
Step 4
State the relationship between the wavelength and the speed of a light wave.
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Answer
The relationship between the wavelength (
λ) and the speed (v) of a light wave is expressed by the equation:
v = f \cdot \lambda
where f is the frequency of the wave. As the wavelength increases, the speed of the wave also increases, given that the frequency remains constant.
Step 5
Define a wave.
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A wave is a disturbance or oscillation that transfers energy through matter or space without the permanent displacement of the medium. Waves can be mechanical (requiring a medium) or electromagnetic (able to travel through a vacuum).
Step 6
Name TWO characteristics of electromagnetic waves.
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Answer
Electromagnetic waves can propagate in a vacuum.
They travel at the speed of light in a vacuum, approximately 3×108 m/s.
Step 7
Arrange the waves in the diagram above from the lowest to the highest frequency.
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Answer
The arrangement of waves from lowest to highest frequency is as follows:
