AP Physics Waves & Optics

Question 1

What is the definition of a wave?

Accepted Answer

A transfer of energy without matter movement

Answer

A disturbance that causes particles to move

Answer

A force moving in one direction

Answer

A moving particle

Question 2

What is the relationship between frequency and wavelength in a wave?

Accepted Answer

Frequency is inversely proportional to wavelength

Answer

Frequency is directly proportional to wavelength

Answer

Frequency has no effect on wavelength

Answer

Frequency and wavelength are unrelated

Question 3

What is refraction?

Accepted Answer

Bending of light due to density change

Answer

Reflection of light

Answer

Absorption of light

Answer

Transmission of light

Question 4

What is the main principle behind the Doppler effect?

Accepted Answer

Wave frequency changes due to relative motion

Answer

Light waves move faster

Answer

Speed of light varies with observation

Answer

Sound waves cannot travel

Question 5

What does the law of reflection state?

Accepted Answer

Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection

Answer

Angle of incidence does not equal angle of reflection

Answer

Reflection causes a 90° angle change

Answer

Reflection does not occur in flat surfaces

Question 6

What is interference in waves?

Accepted Answer

Two waves combine to form a new pattern

Answer

Waves travel independently of each other

Answer

Waves cancel each other out

Answer

Waves only add together

Question 7

What is diffraction?

Accepted Answer

Bending of waves around obstacles

Answer

Reflection of light at edges

Answer

Absorption of sound waves

Answer

Transmission of light

Question 8

How does the frequency of light affect its color?

Accepted Answer

Higher frequency corresponds to violet

Answer

Higher frequency corresponds to red

Answer

Lower frequency corresponds to blue

Answer

Frequency does not affect color

Question 9

What is the critical angle in refraction?

Accepted Answer

The angle at which total internal reflection occurs

Answer

The angle where light passes through without reflection

Answer

The angle of refraction at maximum speed

Answer

The angle of incidence below which reflection occurs