Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 2

‘Focus in Action’ UNIT LEARNING PACKS

These booklets are designed to provide Grade 8 students with all the resources needed to review
or reinforce concepts, covered in the Alberta Science Curriculum, and included in the Grade 8
Science Final Exam in June. There are circumstances in which an entire unit may be missed
and covering the concepts from that unit (for the final exam) can be difficult. This can happen for
a number of reasons:

• Students – new to the school – register throughout the year (from other provinces, school
jurisdictions or countries)
• Students may be ill or have surgery and often can miss one or more units
• Students have extended holidays throughout the year
• Transfers from another school, who have completed the units in a different order

For additional support, students are directed to the Edquest Middle School Science Website
or, Scienceman Resource (www.scienceman.com/scienceinaction/pgs/hot_8u1.html)

Unit 3 – Light and Optical Systems

• Topic 1 Notes & Quiz (Page 4)

• Topic 2 Notes & Quiz (Page 7)
• Topic 3 Notes & Quiz (Page 10)
• Topic 4 Notes & Quiz (Page 13)
• Topic 5 Notes & Quiz (Page 19)
• Topic 6 Notes & Quiz (No Longer Part of Curriculum)
• Topic 7 Notes & Quiz (Page 22)
• Topic 8 Notes & Quiz (Page 25)
• Unit Summary (Page 29)
• Review Booklet (Page 30)
(Covered in class, prior to the Final Achievement Exam)
• Unit 1 – Light and Optical Systems Test (Page 38)
• Answer Key for Section Quizzes and Unit Test (Page 46)

Light and Optics Module:

http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/mod/light/pattLightOptics.html

Additional support will be provided, in the form of practice Achievement Test Questions, during
the course review in June. Multiple Choice Questions and Numerical Response Questions will be
reviewed, as these are the types that will make up the Science 8 Final Exam

Handouts and other activities, to reinforce the concepts covered in this Unit, will be made
available based on need. If you require further information or resources, email Edquest directly:
[email protected].

Finding Solutions to Problems, instead of Making Excuses

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 3

Student Instructions for use of this Learning Pack

The purpose of this Learning Unit Pack is to provide you with the resources that will help you
cover the material from the curriculum that will be tested on the Final Exam in June.
Follow these steps to successfully complete this Unit Learning Pack:

Step 1 – Read the Topic Notes

Step 2 – Use a highlighter to identify the key words or phrases in the Topic Notes and
reread the material again paying close attention to those words that you highlighted. If
necessary, modify your highlights to make sure you understand the material in the notes.

Step 3 – Complete the Topic Quiz

Step 4 – Correct the Topic Quiz by checking the answers in the back of this Learning
Pack.

Step 5 – Using your textbook and the completed quiz, find the page where the question
and correct answer can be found and write it next to the question number in your
Learning Pack.

Step 6 – Repeat Steps 1-5 for each of the other Topics in this Unit.

Step 7 – Look over the Unit Outline to review the Key Concepts once you have
completed all of the Topics.

Step 8 – Complete the Unit Review, using your Learning Pack and Textbook.

Step 9 – Highlight those sections of the Review that you had difficulty with and review
those sections with your teacher prior to taking the Unit Test.

Step 10 – Take the Unit Test and correct it using the answer key provided in the back of
the Learning Pack.

Step 11 – You should now be ready to answer any questions on the Final Exam related
to this Unit.

Anything you still do not understand should be discussed with your teacher. Congratulations on
your Independent Study, and Good Luck on the Final Exam. I hope you have made good use of
this resource. Please provide feedback to your teacher, so that this resource can be improved.

Additional support is available in the form of practice Achievement Test Questions. Multiple
Choice Questions and Numerical Response Questions will be made available on request, as
these are the types that will make up the Science 8 Final Achievement Exam.

Handouts and other activities, to reinforce the concepts covered in this Unit may be acquired by
visiting the Edquest Middle School Science Resource Website

http://www.edquest.ca

Copyright 2005 – Developed by Edquest Resources (www.edquest.ca)

 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 4

Topic 1 – What is Light? (pgs. 176 – 187)

Simply stated, light is the form of energy you can see. This energy can be produced
naturally by the sun or fire, or artificially by light-producing technologies, like batteries.
Radiation is the wave like transfer of light from its source in all directions. Light is often
called radiant energy. Light from the sun is formed by nuclear fusion (Off the Wall p.
176)

The First Basic Principle of Light

‘Light is a form of energy’ When light reaches a surface, it can be absorbed and
transformed into other types of energy.

… into electrical energy … into thermal energy … into chemical energy

Solar cells change light into Cameras change light into Trees convert light energy into food
electricity thermal images (chemical energy)
The amount of energy a surface receives depends on the intensity of the light.
The more intense the light, the more light can be absorbed.

Sources of Light
Natural Light Sources Artificial Light Sources
Incandescent
Sun (heat causing a filament of metal
to glow – visible light)
Electrical energy Thermal energy Visible light energy
Florescent
(ultraviolet light is absorbed by
Candles or Oil
fabric particles, which in turn emit
Lamps
some of the energy as light –
glowing)
Ultraviolet light Energy absorbed Visible light
energy by particles energy
Phosphorescent
(light energy is stored and
Wood (fire)
released later as visible light)
paint

Chemiluminescent
Bioluminescence
(light energy released by
(light produced by
firefly chemical reactions)
living organisms)
light glow sticks
Chemical energy Visible light energy

Other sources of Light Energy can come from the Earth’s minerals including:
THERMOLUMINESCENCE and TRIBOLUMINESCENCE

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 5

The Cost of Lighting

Electrical energy costs money to produce. A watt is a unit of electrical power.

The cost is calculated by how much of the electrical energy is used over a certain period
of time. Calculations are made in kW.h’s. 1 kW.h is 1000 watts of electrical energy
operating for 1 hour.

Example: Calculate the cost of leaving a 60W light bulb on for 10 hours.

Convert 60W to kW by dividing by 1000 60 W / 1000 = 0.06 kW

Calculate the number of kW hours 0.06 kW x 10 hours = 0.6 kW.h
If the cost per kW.h is $0.08
Calculate the cost by multiplying the The cost of electricity to operate the
number of hours 60W light bulb for 2 hours would be
by the cost per kW.h 0.6 kW.h x $0.08 = $0.048
(4.8 cents – or about 5 cents)

The Ray Model of Light

‘Light travels in straight lines’

Because of this principle, the ray model of light can help to explain certain properties light. A
ray is a straight line that represents the path of a beam of light. The ray model helps to explain
how shadows can be formed, when the ray of light is blocked by an object.

A ray diagram Bright

Shadow

Light
Source Bright

Light travels in straight lines until it strikes a surface.

The type of surface will determine how the light will continue.

If the surface is transparent, the light will continue in a straight path through the object
If the surface is translucent, the light will be diverted (refracted) after it passes through
If the surface is opaque, the light will be blocked and not allowed through the object

Diagram (Figure 3.12 p.185)

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 6

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 1 – What is Light? Practice Quiz

1. Radiation is the type of energy transfer which does not require …

A. Matter
B. Heat
C. Waves
D. Light

2. Light-producing technologies, such as incandescent and florescent lights, are examples

of …

A. Bioluminescence
B. Natural light source
C. Artificial light source
D. Chemical luminescence

3. The absorption of radiant energy, on a dark surface, depends on the light’s …

A. Form
B. Intensity
C. Direction
D. Temperature

4. Ultraviolet (UV) light energy is absorbed by chemical particles giving visible light energy.
This transformation describes …

A. Incandescence
B. Phosphorescence
C. Bioluminescence
D. Florescence

5. Why is the disposal of florescent light tubes a challenge?

A. Because they could cut someone, if they were broken

B. Because the materials they are made of are not biodegradable
C. Because the materials they are made of are toxic
D. Because they cannot be recycled

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 7

Topic 2 – Reflection (pgs. 188-199)

Reflection is the process in which light strikes a surface and bounces back off that surface. How it
bounces off the surface depends on the Law of Reflection and the type of surface it hits.

If it hits a rough surface, the light is scattered.

If it hits a smooth surface, the light reflects at an opposite angle to the angle it hits.

Light coming from a light source is called an incident ray and the light that bounces off the surface
is called a reflected ray. A line that is perpendicular ( 90o with the surface) to the plane mirror is
called the normal line. The angle between the incident ray and the normal line is called the angle
of incidence ( i ). The angle between the reflected ray and the normal line is called the angle of
reflection ( r ).

Forming An Image
The Law of reflection states that:

the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection

the incident ray, the normal line and the reflected ray lie in the same plane (an imaginary flat
surface)
Figure 3.17 p. 194

An image is formed in a mirror because light reflects off all points on the object being observed in
all directions. The rays that reach your eye appear to be coming from a point behind the mirror.
Because your brain knows that light travels in a straight line, it interprets the pattern of light that
reaches your eye as an image of an object you are looking at.

Figure 3.19 explains why an image in a mirror is the same size as the object and appears to be
the same distance from the mirror as the object. (only true for flat mirrors)

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 8

Curved Mirrors

Mirrors that bulge out are called Mirrors that cave in are called
Convex mirrors Concave mirrors

Convex mirrors form images that Concave mirrors form an image that
appear much smaller and farther appears to be closer than it actually is
away than the the object - but they and can be useful because it can also
can reflect light from a large area, reflect light from a large area - side
making them useful as security devices. mirrors on automobiles.

Rough Surfaces

Smooth surfaces reflect light uniformly

Rough surfaces appear to reflect light randomly,

But this seemingly scattered light creates the image of the print on the page. Light hits the white
paper and reflects in all directions (some of it reaching your eye). Since there is no pattern, your
eye just sees white light. The ink on the paper absorbs the light and no light from the ink reaches
your eye. Therefore your eye sees the letters in black ink.

(see Figure 3.23, p. 198)

Using Reflections
Reflectors help to make bicycles and cars visible at night. A reflector is made up of hundreds of
tiny, flat reflecting surfaces arranged at 90o angles to one another. These small surfaces are
packed side by side to make the reflector. When light strikes the reflector the light bounces off the
tiny surfaces and bounces back toward the light source.

Pool players use the law of reflection to improve their game. Like a light ray, a pool ball travels in
a straight line. In a 'bank shot' (Figure 3.25, p. 199) the cue ball is bounced off the cushion at an
angle which enables the player to hit the target ball. This angle is calculated as the angle of
contact (with the cushion) is equal to the angle of impact (with the target).

Topic 2 Review p. 199

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 9

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 2 – Reflection Practice Quiz

1. Reflection is the process in which light strikes a surface and bounces off that surface.
The reflected ray will bounce back directly to the light source if it is lined up with the …

A. Incident ray
B. Reflected ray
C. Normal ray
D. Reflecting surface

2. To discover the laws of reflection it is necessary to use a …

A. Ray box
B. Plane mirror
C. Reflecting surface
D. Normal line

3. In stating the law of reflection, that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, it
is necessary to understand that this is a law because …

A. A scientist has stated it

B. This relationship happens most of the time
C. This relationship always happens
D. Science is always accurate and precise

4. When you attempt to focus an image on a screen, using a concave mirror, but cannot, yet
you can see an image when looking into the same concave mirror, the image is called …

A. A convex distortion
B. A concave image
C. A virtual image
D. A reflected distortion

5. Pool players use the law of reflection to improve their game. When the cue ball bounces
off the cushion on the side and hits the target ball, the action is called a …

A. Bank shot
B. Cushion shot
C. Angled shot
D. Image shot

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 10

Topic 3 – Refraction (pgs. 200-205)

Refraction is the process in which light is bent, when it travels from one medium to another. Light
bends because it changes speed when it moves through materials that have different densities.
Light travels slower in materials that are more dense, because there are more particles. The
bending of light makes the object's image appear to be in a different position than it really is.

Around a Bend with Light

The Law of Refraction states that when light travels from one medium, to a denser medium, the
light will be bent toward the normal, and when it exits the denser medium into a less dense
medium it will bend away from the normal. The new direction of light is called the angle of
refraction.

Refraction can also occur when light travels through air at different temperatures, because warm
air is less dense than cold air. The refraction of light through air is called a mirage.

The pools of water you see on a hot summer day are often caused by this effect, because the air
closer to the ground is hotter than the air above it. As you approach these pools, they disappear -
because they were never there.

Is that all there is to Light?

What happens when light strikes a surface? ...

What happens to light

Type of Behavior Nature of surface What else happens?
striking a surface
Absorption Energy Transformation Rough, Dark, Opaque Some light is reflected
Some light is
Reflection Bounces off Smooth, Shiny
absorbed
Travels through in a new Different Transparent
Refraction Some light is reflected
direction Medium

Topic 3 Review p. 206

Wrap-Up (Topics 1-3) p. 207

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 11

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 3 – Refraction Practice Quiz

1. Refraction is the bending of light when it travels from one medium to another. .What
direction does the light bend when it travels from a medium of greater density to one of
lesser density?
A. Along the normal
B. Along the perpendicular
C. Towards the normal
D. Away from the normal

2. When light is refracted, the angle of incidence increases and the angle of refraction …
A. Depends on the intensity of the light
B. Increases, depending on the material
C. Decreases, but only by one half
D. Increases by double

3. Mirages cause an illusion of a watery surface. This illusion is actually …

A. Water drops reflecting the light
B. Water drops refracting the light
C. The sky refracted by warm air
D. The sky reflected by warm air

4. When light strikes a surface and is absorbed, the light …

A. Changes into another form of energy
B. Bounces off in many different directions
C. Travels through it in a different direction
D. Happens only when it is a smooth shiny surface

5. During refraction, when the angle of incidence is doubled, the angle of refraction is …
A. Also doubled
B. Not necessarily doubled
C. Decreased by the same amount
D. Decreased by about half

6. Label the angles produced when a light ray goes through a refraction tank. (viewed from
above)

A is the angle of ______________________ B is the angle of ______________________

C is the angle of ______________________ D is the angle of ______________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 12

Topic 4 – Lenses and Vision (pgs. 208-220)

A lens is a curved piece of transparent material (glass/plastic).
When light rays pass through it, the light is refracted, causing the rays to bend.

A double concave lens is thinner and flatter in the middle than the edges.
Light passing through the thicker more curved areas of the lens will bend more than light passing
through the thinner areas, causing the light to spread out or diverge.

A double convex lens is thicker in the middle than around the edges.
This causes the light to come together at a focal point, or converge.

Lenses and Mirrors

Lenses are useful optical devices. Eyeglasses have been made from lenses since the thirteenth
century.

A convex lens refracts the light rays from an object so they can be focused.

Different size lenses can converge the light rays at different distances, enabling corrections to be
made to focal points.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 13

However, light from the left portion of the object is directed to the right and the light from the top is
directed to the bottom. This inverts the image. Overhead projectors and film projectors do this

Eye Spy
The lens in the human eye is a convex lens, which focuses the light rays entering your eye to a
point on your retina (a light sensitive area at the back of the eye). The image you see is formed
on the retina. Some people however have eyes that are too long or too short.

If their eye is too long, the image forms in front of the retina - this is a condition called Myopic, or
near-sightedness.

(They have trouble seeing distant objects)

If their eye is too short, the image forms behind the retina, making object that are close to them
difficult to see. This condition is called far-sightedness.

Knowledge of how light behaves when it travels through lenses helps eye specialists correct
vision problems.

(see Figures 3.32A, 3.32B, 3.32C page 210)

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 14

Comparing the Eye and the Camera

There are many similarities between the human eye and the camera.

There is a more detailed image in Science Focus (Figure 3.33A, p. 211)

Putting It in Focus
In a camera, if an object moves closer to the film, the lens must move away to keep the image in
focus. In the human eye, the lens cannot move, so the ciliary muscles change the shape of the
lens (by making the lens bulge in the middle if the image comes closer to you and stretch if the
object is further away). This is done so that the eyeball isn't stretched. The process of changing
the shape of the lens is called accommodation. As people become older, the lens stiffens and
loses its' ability to change shape (doesn't bulge) and many people need to wear (convex lens)
reading glasses, so that the images can be focused.

The shortest distance at which an object is in focus is called the near point of the eye. The
longest distance is called the far point of the eye. On average, an adult has a near point of
about 25 cm, whereas babies have a near point of only 7 cm. The far point is infinite (because
you can see the stars).

Bringing In The Light

In order to adjust the amount of light that enters the eye and the camera, a special device opens
and closes to let just the right amount of light in.

In the camera, the diaphragm controls the aperture (opening) of the lens and the shutter limits
the passage of light.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 15

In the eye, the device (or part of the eye) that controls the amount of light entering is called the
iris (the colored part of the eye), which changes the size of the pupil - in much the same way as
the diaphragm controls the aperture (opening) of the camera lens.

The natural adjustment in the size of the pupils is called the iris reflex, which is extremely rapid.
This iris reflex action automatically adjusts the pupil when you go from a darkened area to a well
lit area, or, from a well lit area to a darkened one.

Seeing the Image

The Film at the back of the camera contains light sensitive chemicals which change when light
hits it. These chemicals form the image on the film. In the eye, when the cells in the retina
detect light, they produce small electrical impulses from the retina to the brain by way of the optic
nerve. The point where the retina is attached to the optic nerve does not have any light sensitive
cells. This point is known as the blind spot.

Can you find your blind spot?

View this image at arm's length. Cover your right eye with your hand. Stare at x, slowly leaning
closer to the image, until the dot disappears (when you reach your blind spot) and then reappears
when you have passed your blind spot.

The parts of a camera are housed in a rigid light-proof box, whereas layers of tissue hold the
different parts of the eye together. The eyeball contains fluids, called humours, which prevent the
eyeball from collapsing and refract the light that enters the eye.

Topic 4 Review p. 220

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 16

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 4 – Lenses and Vision Practice Quiz

1. When light passes through a lens, the light is bent, causing the rays of light to diverge.
The type of lens is a …

A. Convex lens
B. Concave lens
C. Optic lens
D. Diamond prism lens

2. When light rays pass through a convex lens, the image that is formed is …

A. Diverted
B. Converted
C. Inverted
D. Implied

3. The lens of the human eye is a convex lens. That means that when it takes in light from
an object, it refracts the light rays, by focusing them on the retina. If the eye is too long,
the image will form in front of the retina. This condition is called …

A. Retina dysfunction
B. Optical illusion
C. Near-sightedness
D. Far-sightedness

4. When comparing the eye and the camera, certain parts perform the same function. The
retina of the eye is similar to the part of the camera called the …

A. Film
B. Shutter
C. Diaphragm
D. Focusing ring

5. The aperture of a camera controls the amount of light coming into the camera, so that a
clear image can be formed. This aperture opening device is similar to the pupil of the eye.
It is called the …

A. Iris
B. Shutter
C. Diaphragm
D. Optic nerve

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 17

6. Light passes through a lens and is refracted. Different lenses refract light differently.
Complete the following illustrations and sentences (following each question) as directed.

Activity 1 (3 points)

What type of lens is it? It is a ____________________________ lens.

What happens to the light rays? They are __________________________________

Activity 2 (3 points)

What type of lens is it? It is a ____________________________ lens.

What happens to the light rays? They are __________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 18

Topic 5 – Extending Human Vision (pgs. 221-226)

Tools have been developed, to extend our vision, enabling us to see tiny micro-organisms, far-off
distances and the vast reaches of outer space.

Telescopes
Telescopes help us to see distant objects more clearly.

In a refracting telescope, light from a distant

object is collected and focused by a convex
lens called the objective lens. A second lens,
called the eyepiece lens, works as a
magnifying glass to enlarge the image.

refracting telescope (Figure 3.41A p. 221)

A reflecting telescope uses a concave mirror to
collect rays of light from a distant object. This
mirror is called the primary, or objective mirror,
which forms a real image magnified by the
eyepiece lens.

reflecting telescope (Figure 3.41B p. 222)

The lens in a refracting telescope and the mirror in a reflecting telescope collect as much light as
possible from distant objects. These collectors then focus the light into an image. The further
away the image is from the lens, or the mirror, the greater the magnification. For the greatest
magnification the telescope needs to have as large a distance as possible between the object
being viewed and its image.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 19

Binoculars
Binoculars are actually two reflecting telescopes mounted side by side. In binoculars, the
telescopes are shortened by placing prisms inside, which serve as plane mirrors. In this way, the
light entering the binoculars can be reflected back and forth inside a short tube.

Microscopes, Telescopes and Scientific Knowledge

A magnifying glass is a very simple microscope, which typically magnifies about 10 times. In
1676, a Dutch scientist, Anton Van Leeuwenhock used a simple convex lens to view bacteria
(magnified about 280 times). Compound microscopes (as you learned in Unit 1) have an
objective lens that forms a real image of the object, which is then magnified by an eyepiece lens.
Usually more than one objective and eyepiece lens are used to increase the magnification and
improve the sharpness of the image.

Calculate Field of View

New Discoveries
Scientists have learned many new things as a result of the development of microscopes and
telescopes. Living tissue is composed of living cells, in which functions and reproduction can be
viewed, as well as activity in relation to cancerous growth and destruction by viruses. Scientists
can also now study the genetic make-up of cells. Similarly, the improvements in the telescope
hve opened up the universe for viewing and study. Telescopes and microscopes have their
limitations, which reveal the nature of light.

Topic 5 Review p. 226

Wrap-Up (Topics 4-5) p. 227

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 20

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 5 – Extending Human Vision Practice Quiz

1. Telescopes use different types of mirrors to collect the rays of light. The type of telescope
that uses a concave mirror to collect the rays of light from distant objects is the …

A. Reflecting telescope
B. Refracting telescope
C. Prism telescope
D. Magnifying telescope

2. A binocular uses prisms to redirect light from distant objects. The prisms act like …

A. Concave lenses
B. Convex lenses
C. Plane mirrors
D. Refracting mirrors

3. In order to have the greatest magnification possible in a reflecting telescope, it is

necessary to have a …

A. Very large concave mirror

B. Very thick objective lens
C. Very strong plane mirror
D. Great distance between the object and the image

4. Magnifying glasses are used to make objects look bigger than they usually are. New
developments and discoveries have been able to make magnifying instruments (known
as microscopes) much stronger. When Anton van Leeuwenhoek was able to see
bacteria, for the first time, the magnification he needed was about …

A. 200X
B. 280X
C. 1800X
D. 2000X

5. Microscopes have limits in terms of their magnification because of the types of lenses
that used. To magnify objects by different amounts, scientists would use this part of the
compound microscopes.

A. Objective lens
B. Eyepiece lens
C. Condenser lens
D. Adjustment lens

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 21

Topic 6 – The source of Colors is no longer covered in the Alberta Curriculum.

Topic 7 – The Wave Model of Light (pgs. 237-248)

Remember that light travels in straight lines. Sir Isaac Newton tried to explain why. He
proposed that light beams are made of streams of extremely tiny, fast-moving particles. These
tiny particles of light, he suggested, could only travel in straight lines, not around objects.

Looking at Wavelength
After doing the Find Out Activity on p. 237, it appears that light is not made up of tiny particles
that travel in straight lines as Newton suggests. When light passes through a small opening, it
spreads out around each side of the opening. To explain this, Dutch scientist Christiaan Huygens
(1629-1695) suggested that light travels in a wave, not as a stream of fast moving particles.

The high parts of the wave are called crests. The low parts of the wave are called troughs. The
distance from crest to crest is called wavelength (the distance from one complete crest and one
complete trough). The height of the crest or the depth of the trough from rest position is called the
amplitude. The Frequency is the rate at which the crest and the trough move up and down. The
number of cycles in a period of time - which is usually measured in hertz, or cycles per second.

The Wave Model of Light

The wave model of light pictures light traveling as a wave. It doesn't explain everything about how
light behaves but it helps us visualize it. Thinking about light traveling in waves helps to explain
unpredictable behavior, like when light curves around a opening. When light passes through a
small opening, the waves spread out. If the wavelength is short, the waves spread out very little,
whereas longer wavelengths spread out more. Wavelength is explored more in the labs for this
topic.

Light Waves In Action

Sunsets can be explained using the wave model of light. As light waves from the sun travel
through Earth's atmosphere, they strike particles of different sizes, including dust and other
elements. The longer wavelengths of the reds and oranges tend to pass around these particles,
whereas, the shorter wavelengths of blue and violet, strike the particles and reflect and scatter. At
sunset, the light we see passes through about 700 kms of the Earth's atmosphere. There are
many more particles in the atmosphere at this time of the day, due to the activity going on during
the day - so many more blue and violet waves are reflected away. Red and orange are the vibrant
colors we see at sunset.

See the diagram - Figure 3.59, p. 245 - to visualize this action.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 22

Laser Light
In 1966, Theodore H. Maiman, a physicist at Hughes Aircraft Company in California became the
first person to use a process called...

light
amplification by the
stimulated or laser light
emission of
radiation
Incandescent lights give off many different colors and therefore have many different frequencies
and wavelengths. The waves are jumbled and crests from one wavelength might overlap the
trough of another, making the waves work against each other. This type of light is incoherent.

Laser light is quite different. It gives off a single wavelength (frequency) of coherent light.

Lasers have many useful applications:

• Scanners (bar codes in retail shops are scanned to give the price)

• Digitized data are read by a laser on a compact disk (CD)

• Lasers are use by law enforcement officers to detect the speed of vehicles.

• Laser light can be released in pulses or in a continuous beam. In either form, it is so

powerful, that it can make precise cuts through metal and can also be used in surgery, as
a scalpel - or, to instantly seal broken blood vessels, because it produces such intense
heat.

• Eye surgeons use lasers to correct vision defects (shaving off areas of the cornea - to
correct problems caused by irregularities in the shape of the eyeball)

• They can also 'spot weld' a detached retina

• One day dentists may use lasers to vaporize cavities, instead of drilling into them.

Topic 7 Review p. 248

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 23

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 7 – The Wave Model of Light Practice Quiz

1. Wavelengths can be determined by measuring …

A. The height of a crest

B. The depth of a trough
C. The distance between two crests
D. The difference in height between a crest and a trough

2. The rate at which an object is moving up to the top of a crest and down to the bottom of a
trough is called …

A. Amplitude
B. Frequency
C. Hertz
D. Rest position

3. When light passes through a small opening, the waves spread out. How far they spread
out depends on this …

A. Amplitude
B. Frequency
C. Wavelength
D. One complete trough

4. At sunset, the colors we are able to see are reds and oranges. This is made possible
because when light hits the atmosphere, this happens.

A. Blue and violet are absorbed by dust particles

B. Red and violet are refracted through the atmosphere
C. Blue and orange are reflected back into space
D. Red and orange pass around the particles

5. A laser demonstrates the difference between incoherent light and coherent light. The
laser, which is used for many purposes gives off coherent light, which are …

A. Waves with multiple frequencies

B. Waves with only one frequency
C. Waves with variable wavelengths
D. Waves with a variable amplitude

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 24

Topic 8 – Beyond Light (pgs. 249-256)

The sun is the most abundant source of direct natural light on the Earth. There are other forms of
energy, invisible, that are also supplied by this source. The tiny band of visible light that we see is
only part of the entire spectrum of light energy we receive. Called the electromagnetic spectrum,
because the light waves, electrical and magnetic fields vibrate as they radiate to earth.

Different colors on the electromagnetic spectrum have different wavelengths (nanometers) and
different frequencies (hertz).

Radiation in the Environment

Radiation is a natural part of our environment. Humans have always lived on earth in the
presence of radiation. Natural radiation reaches earth from outer space and continuously radiates
from the rocks, soil, and water on the earth. Background radiation is that which is naturally and
inevitably present in our environment. Levels of this can vary greatly. People living in granite
areas or on mineralized sands receive more terrestrial radiation than others, while people living or
working at high altitudes receive more cosmic radiation. A lot of our natural exposure is due to
radon, a gas which seeps from the earth's crust and is present in the air we breathe.

Radiation and Life

Radiation is energy traveling through space. Sunshine is one of the most familiar forms of
radiation. It delivers light, heat and suntans. We control its effect on us with sunglasses, shade,
air conditioners, hats, clothes and sunscreen. There would be no life on earth without lots of
sunlight, but we have increasingly recognized that too much of it on our persons is not a good
thing. In fact it may be dangerous. so we control our exposure to it. Sunshine consists of radiation
in a range of wavelengths from long-wave infra-red to shorter wavelength ultraviolet. Beyond
ultraviolet are higher energy kinds of radiation which arc used in medicine and which we all get in
low doses from space, from the air, and from the earth. Collectively we can refer to these kinds of
radiation as lonising radiation. It can cause damage to matter, particularly living tissue. At high
levels it is therefore dangerous, so it is necessary to control our exposure.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 25

Infrared Radiation
Red light has a wavelength of about 700 nanometers, but it could be stretched out to 100 nm, it
would become heat radiation, or infrared radiation. It would become invisible to the eyes, but you
could sense it with your skin. Anything that is warmer than its surroundings emit infrared rays.

Practical applications include:

• motion sensors
• burglar alarms
• heat lamps

Radio Waves
If you could stretch the infrared wave out even further, so it became a few millimeters long, you
could get radio waves. Radio waves have a longer wavelength and a lower frequency than visible
light. Different types of radio waves have different uses.

Microwaves have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency of the all the radio waves.

Microwaves have three characteristics that allow them to be used in cooking:

• they are reflected by metal;
• they pass through glass, paper, plastic, and similar materials;
• and they are absorbed by foods.

Microwaves are used to detect speeding cars, to send telephone, satellite and television
communications, and to treat muscle soreness. Industry uses microwaves to dry and cure
plywood, to cure rubber and resins, to raise bread and doughnuts, and to cook potato chips. But
the most common consumer use of microwave energy is in microwave ovens. Microwave ovens
have been regulated since 1971.

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 26

Remote Imaging Technologies

Radio waves are around us all the time. The signals from radio stations, television stations, cell
phones and even distant stars pass through your body every day.

LANDSAT is another RADARSAT is a Canadian

Canadian satellite that telecommunications satellite,
records how different parts which, from time to time,
of the light from the Sun sweeps the ground below it with
reflect back to the satellite. radio waves, penetrating fog,
It's most important use is haze, clouds and rain. Their
for agriculture, monitoring reflection back to the satellite
crops for damage by give scientists information they
disease, pests and can use in their studies of the
drought. Earth.
• Monitoring ice floes, which
can endanger ships
• Search possible sites for
minerals, oil and natural
gas.
• Monitoring a flood, so that
sandbagging efforts can
be maximized where it is
needed most.

Ultraviolet Radiation
Just beyond the violet part of the visible spectrum are wavelengths of about 200 nm. , known as
ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This radiation is very energetic. It causes tanning, but it can also do
irrepairable damage to us.

UV rays can ... damage the cornea of the eye (fogging which can lead to a slow loss of vision)
In more recent years, more UV radiation is reaching us because the ozone layer in the
atmosphere (which protects us from the damaging radiation by absorbing the UV rays) is being
thinned. This thinning of the ozone layer is speeded-up by the use of aeorsol sprays and Freon
gas, which break up the ozone particles. (see Figure 3.70 p. 254)

X-Rays
Even shorter wavelengths with higher frequencies are the X-rays. These waves pass through
tissue (skin and muscle) and are absorbed by the bones. This radiation always stays in the bone
and builds up over time. Therefore people who work as technicians taking the x-rays must protect
themselves, by leaving the room where the xray is taken and also protect the patient's other
areas of the body with lead vests to prevent over-exposure.

Gamma Rays
Gamma rays have the shortest wavelength and the highest frequency of all the waves in the
electromagnetic spectrum. Gamma rays result from nuclear reactions and can kill cells. This can
be useful if the cells being destroyed are harmful - like cancerous cells. The cancerous growth of
cells and tissue can be radiated, using gamma rays, and is known as radiation therapy.

Topic 8 Review p. 256

Wrap-up ( Topics 6 - 8 ) p. 257 UNIT REVIEW pgs. 262 – 265

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 27

Light and Optical Systems

Topic 8 – Beyond Light Practice Quiz

1. The difference between water waves and light waves is that these vibrate …

A. The different colors of light

B. Electrical and magnetic fields
C. Wavelengths and frequencies
D. Particles in the magnetic spectrum

2. The frequency of different colors of light waves is often given in scientific notation. The
frequency of orange light is 500,000,000,000,000 Hz. This can be represented, using
scientific notation, as …

A. 5.0x1014
B. 5.0x1013
C. 500.0x1012
D. 5000.0x1011

3. Infrared radiation is heat radiation. This type of radiation can have a useful application.
They are used in …

A. Computers to keep the chips warm

B. Restaurants to keep the food warm
C. Refrigerators to trap the heat
D. Microwaves to cook the food

4. There are many different types of radio waves. A transmitting station can send these
types of signals to an orbiting satellite, which will amplify them and send them back to a
receiving station on the Earth. The type of signal used in satellite communications is …

A. AM Radio
B. FM Radio
C. Microwave
D. Shortwave

5. A special blocking agent – sunscreen – is added to the lotion we use to avoid sunburn.
This blocking agent reflects the UV rays and can help prevent cancerous growths on the
skin. The strength of this blocking agent is determined by the …

A. SDF
B. SPF
C. SVF
D. SBF

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 28

Light and Optical Systems Summary & Review

What do we know about the nature of light?

What technologies have been developed that use light?
What principles of light do these technologies show?

Key Concepts
Science Focus 8 Guiding Questions and Activities to Help you Study
((Unit At A Glance p. 262)
Topic 1 - What is light (p.176)?
Principles of Light - What are the basic principles of light (p.177-178)?
Sources - Describe and give examples of natural and artificial light (p.179-183)
Cost - How is the cost of lighting calculated. (p.184)
Ray Model of Light - Know how to draw and label a ray diagram (p.185)

Topic 2 - Give an operational definition for reflection (p.188)

Reflection - State the Law of Reflection (p.194)
- Draw and label a diagram to show the Law of Reflection (p 194)
- How is an image formed in a mirror? (p.194)
- How is this Law of Reflection applied in everyday life? (p.198-199)
- What are fiber optics?

Topic 3 - Give an operational definition for refraction (p.200)

Refraction - State the Law of Refraction (p.204)
- Draw and label a diagram to show the Law of Refraction (p 204)
Topic 4 - Describe the difference between concave and convex lenses? (p.208)
Concave and Convex lenses - What happens to light when it passes through a lens? (p.209)
Eye - How does your eye form an image? (p.210)
Camera - Identify the similarities and differences between your eye and a camera.
- What is accommodation? (p.215)
- What is a blind spot? (p.217)

Topic 5 - Describe the difference between a reflecting and a refracting telescope

Telescopes (p.221)
Binoculars - How are prisms used in binoculars? (p.223)
Microscopes - How has the development of the microscope and the telescope lead to
increasing scientific knowledge? (p.224)
Topic 6 - The Source of Colour - No longer part of the curriculum
Topic 7 - How is wavelength determined?
Wave model of light - Draw a wavelength model of light and label the crest, trough, wavelength
Frequency and Wavelength and amplitude. (p.238)
Lasers - What is the wave model of light? (p.239)
The Science of Light - How is a sunset made?
- What makes a rainbow?
- How do lasers work?

Topic 8 - What is the electromagnetic spectrum? (p.249)

Electromagnetic Spectrum - Describe the differences, and give examples of all the different types of
waves in the electromagnetic spectrum.

Design a Concept Map linking the ideas introduced and reinforced

in this Unit on Light and Optical and Systems

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 29

Unit 3 – Light and Optical Systems – Year End Review

Complete each of the following questions, relating to the specific learner outcomes, covered this
year in Grade 8. The questions in this review reflect what you should have mastered and will be
tested on in the Final Achievement Exam. The answers will be covered in class.

Part 1 – Sources of Light

Describe and give examples of natural and artificial light (p.179-183)

Natural Light Artificial Light

How is the cost of lighting calculated? (p.184) (Give an example)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 30

Know how to draw and label a ray diagram (p.185)

Part 2 – Basic Principles of Light

What is light (p.176)?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What are the basic principles of light (p.177-178)?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 3 – Reflection

Give an operational definition for reflection (p.188)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

State the Law of Reflection (p.194)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 31

Draw and label a diagram to show the Law of Reflection (p 194)

How is an image formed in a mirror? (p.194)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

How is this Law of Reflection applied in everyday life? (p.198-199)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What are fiber optics?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 4 – Refraction

Give an operational definition for refraction (p.200)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 32

State the Law of Refraction (p.204)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Draw and label a diagram to show the Law of Refraction (p 204)

Part 5 – Lenses and Mirrors

Describe the difference between concave and convex lenses? (p.208)

Concave Convex

What happens to light when it passes through a lens? (p.209)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

How does your eye form an image? (p.210)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 33

Identify the similarities between your eye and a camera.

Eye Camera

Differences between your eye and a camera

Eye Camera

What is accommodation? (p.215)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What is a blind spot? (p.217)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 6 – Extending Vision – Binoculars - Telescopes - Microscopes

Describe the difference between a reflecting and a refracting telescope (p.221)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

How are prisms used in binoculars? (p.223)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 34

How has the development of the microscope and the telescope lead to increasing scientific
knowledge? (p.224)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 7 – The Behavior of Light

How is wavelength determined?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Draw a wavelength model of light and label the crest, trough, wavelength and amplitude. (p.238)

What is the wave model of light? (p.239)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

How is a sunset made?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

What makes a rainbow?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 35

How do lasers work?

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Part 8 – The Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is the electromagnetic spectrum? (p.249)

_____________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Describe the differences, and give examples of all the different types of waves in the
electromagnetic spectrum.

Type of Wave Distinguishing Characteristic Examples

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 36

Grade 8 – Unit 1 Test _______________________________________________

Student Class

Topic 1 - What is Light?

1. Radiation is the type of energy transfer which does not require ...
A matter
B heat
C waves
D light

2. Light-producing technologies, such as incandescent and florescent lights, are examples of ...
A bioluminescence
B natural light source
C artificial light source
D chemical luminescence

3. The absorption of radiant energy, on a dark surface, depends on the light's ...
A form
B intensity
C direction
D temperature

4. Ultraviolet light energy is absorbed by chemical particles giving visible light energy. This
transformation describes ...
A incandescence
B phosphorescence
C bioluminescence
D florescence

5. Why is the disposal of florescent light tubes a challenge?

A because they could cut someone, if they were broken
B because the materials they are made of are not biodegradable
C because the materials they are made of are toxic
D because they cannot be recycled

Topic 2 - Reflection

6. Reflection is the process in which light strikes a surface and bounces off that surface. The
reflected ray will bounce back directly to the light source if it is lined up with the ...
A incident ray
B reflected ray
C normal line
D reflecting surface

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 37

7. To discover the laws of reflection it is necessary to use a ...

A ray box
B plane mirror
C reflecting surface
D normal line

8. In stating the law of reflection, that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection it is
necessary to understand that this is a law because ...
A a scientist has stated it
B this relationship happens most of the time
C this relationship always happens
D science is always accurate and precise

9. When you attempt to focus an image on a screen, using a concave mirror, but cannot, yet, you
can see an image when are looking into the same concave mirror, the image is called a ...
A convex distortion
B concave image
C virtual image
D reflected distortion

10. Pool players use the law of reflection to improve their game. When the cue ball bounces off the
cushion on the side and hits the target ball, the action is called a ...
A bank shot
B cushion shot
C angled shot
D image shot

Topic 3 - Refraction

11. Refraction is the bending of light when it travels from one medium to another. What direction
does the light bend when it travels from a medium of greater density to one of lesser density?
A along the normal
B along the perpendicular
C towards the normal
D away from the normal

12. When light is refracted, the angle of incidence increases and the angle of refraction ...
A depends on the intensity of the light
B increases, depending on the material
C decreases, but only by one half
D increases by double

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 38

13. Mirages cause an illusion of a watery surface. This illusion is actually ...
A water drops reflecting the light
B water drops refracting the light
C the sky refracted by warm air
D the sky reflected by warm air

14. When light strikes a surface and is absorbed, the light ...
A changes into another form of energy
B bounces off in many different directions
C travels through it in a different direction
D happens only when it is a smooth shiny surface

15. During refraction, when the angle of incidence is doubled, the angle of refraction is ...
A also doubled
B not necessarily doubled
C decreased by the same amount
D decreased by about half

16.

A is the angle of __________________________

B is the angle of __________________________

C is the angle of __________________________

D is the angle of __________________________

Topic 4 - Lenses and Vision

17. When light passing through a lens, the light is bent, causing the rays of light to diverge. The type
of lens is a ...
A convex lens
B concave lens
C optic lens
D diamond prism lens

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 39

18. When light rays pass through a convex, lens the image that is formed is ...
A diverted
B converted
C inverted
D implied

19. The lens of the human eye is a convex lens. That means that when it takes in light from an
object, it refracts the light rays, by focusing them on the retina. If the eye is too long, the image
will form in front of the retina. This condition is called ...
A retina dysfunction
B optical illusion
C near-sightedness
D far-sightedness

20. When comparing the eye and the camera, certain parts perform the same function. The retina of
the eye is similar to the part of the camera called the ...
A film
B shutter
C diaphragm
D focusing ring

21. The diaphragm of a camera controls the amount of light coming into the camera, so that a clear
image can be formed. The aperture-opening device in the eye that is similar to the diaphragm is
called the ...
A iris
B shutter
C diaphragm
D optic nerve

22. When light passes through a lens it is refracted. Complete the following illustration and
sentences as directed.
Activity 1 (3 points)

What type of lens is it? It is a ______________________________ lens.

What happens to the light rays? They are _________________________________ .

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 40

Activity 2 (3 Points)

What type of lens is it? It is a ______________________________ lens.

What happens to the light rays? They are _________________________________

.

Topic 5 - Extending Human Vision

23. Telescopes use different types of mirrors to collect the rays of light. The type of telescope that
uses a concave mirror to collect the rays of light from distant objects is the ...
A reflecting telescope
B refracting telescope
C prism telescope
D magnifying telescope

24. Magnifying glasses are used to make object look bigger than they usually are. New
developments and discoveries have been able to make magnifying instruments (known as
microscopes) much stronger. When Anton van Leeuwenhoek was able to see bacteria, for the
first time, the magnification he needed was about ...
A 200X
B 280X
C 1800X
D 2000X

25. In order to have the greatest magnification possible in a reflecting telescope, it is necessary to
have a ...
A very large concave mirror
B very thick objective lens
C very strong plane mirror
D great distance between the object and the image

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 41

26. A binocular uses prisms to redirect light from distant objects. These prisms act like ...
A concave lenses
B convex lenses
C plane mirrors
D refracting mirrors

27. Microscopes have limits in terms of their magnification because of the types of lenses that are
used. To magnify objects by different amounts, scientists would use this part of the compound
microscope.
A objective lens
B eyepiece lens
C condenser lens
D adjustment lens

Topic 6 – The Source of Colors

28. White light - when passed through a prism - will be broken up into all the visible colors of the
spectrum. What will happen if all these colors are then passed through a second prism?
A nothing
B no light can be seen
C white light will reform
D the colors of the spectrum will reverse

29. Sunlight produces the seven colors of the spectrum in a pattern called the solar spectrum. To
remember the pattern this memory aid is used …
A RYOBGIV
B ROYGBIV
C VIBOGRY
D GROVIBY

30. When the primary colors of light - red, green, and blue - are added together, this color is
produced.
A yellow
B magenta
C cyan
D white

31. Rods and cones are two types of light detecting nerve cells in the retina of the eye. Which of the
following statements is correct?
A Rods are cylindrical and detect color
B Cones are shaped like teardrops and detect color
C Rods are shaped like teardrops and detect the presence of light
D Cones are cylindrical and detect the presence of light

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 42

32. The condition in some people’s eyes that is responsible for color blindness is if …
A Cones cannot detect light
B Rods detect only some colors
C Cones detect only some colors
D Rods cannot detect light

Topic 7 - The Wave Model of Light

33. Wavelengths can be determined by measuring ...

A the height of a crest
B the depth of a trough
C the distance between two crests
D the difference in height between a crest and a trough

34. The rate at which an object is moving up to the top of a crest and down to the bottom of a trough
is called ...
A amplitude
B frequency
C hertz
D rest position

35. When light passes through a small opening, the waves spread out. How far they spread out
depends on this ...
A amplitude
B frequency
C wavelength
D one complete trough

36. At sunset, the colors we are able to see are reds and oranges. This is made possible because
when light hits the atmosphere, this happens.
A blue and violet waves are reflected back into space
B red and violet waves are refracted through the atmosphere
C blue and orange waves are reflected back into space
D red and blue waves pass around the particles

37. A laser demonstrates the difference between incoherent light and coherent light. The laser,
which is used for many purposes gives off coherent light, which are ...
A waves with multiple frequencies
B waves with only one frequency
C waves with variable wavelengths
D waves with a variable amplitude

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 43

Topic 8 - Beyond Light

38. The different between water waves and light waves is that in light waves these vibrate ...
A the different colors of light
B electrical and magnetic fields
C wavelengths and frequencies
D particles in the magnetic spectrum

39. The frequency of different colors of light waves is often given in scientific notation. The frequency
of orange light is 500,000,000,000,000 Hz. This is can be represented, using scientific notation,
as ...
A 5.0x1014
B 5.0x1013
C 500.0x1012
D 5000.0x1011

40. Infrared radiation is heat radiation. This type of radiation can have a useful application. They are
used in heat lamps which you would find in ...
A computers to keep the chips warm
B restaurants to keep food warm
C refrigerators to trap the heat
D microwaves to cook the food

41. There are many different types of radio waves. A transmitting station can send these types of
signals to an orbiting satellite, which will amplify them and send them back to a receiving station
on the Earth. The type of signal used in satellite communications is ...
A AM Radio
B FM Radio
C Microwave
D Shortwave

42. A special blocking agent - sunscreen - is added to the lotion we use to avoid sunburn. This
blocking agent reflects the UV rays and can help prevent cancerous growths on the skin. The
strength of this blocking agent is determined by the ...
A SDF
B SPF
C SVF
D SBF

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 Learning Pack for Light and Optical Systems – Unit 3 (Science Focus 8) 44

Light and Optical Systems Quiz – Answer Keys

Topics 1 2 3 4 5
Topic 1 -
What is Light?
A C B D C

Topic 2 – Reflection C B C C A

Topic 3 - Refraction D B C A B
Question 6 – A – Incidence / B – Refraction / C – Incidence / D - Refraction
Topic 4 -
Lenses & Vision
B C C A C
Question 6 – Activity 1 – Double Convex, Converging
Question 6 – Activity 2 – Double Concave, Diverging
Topic 5 - Extending
Human Vision
A C D B A
Topic 6 –
The Source of Color
No longer Part of the Curriculum
Topic 7 - The Wave
Model of Light
C B B C D
Topic 8 -
Beyond Light
D A B C B

Light and Optical Systems Unit Test - Answer Key

Double concave
1 A 12 B 23 diverging
34 B
2 C 13 C 24 A 35 C
3 B 14 A 25 B 36 A
4 D 15 B 26 C 37 B
A - incidence
B - refraction
5 C 16 C - incidence
27 A 38 B
D - refraction
6 C 17 B 28 C 39 A
7 B 18 C 29 B 40 B
8 C 19 C 30 D 41 C
9 C 20 A 31 B 42 B
10 A 21 A 32 C
Double convex
11 D 22 converging
33 C

NR1 NR2 NR3

Numerical Response Answers 8.32 3421 3241

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