Question 1: Explain how white light is composed of multiple colours. How does a prism separate these colours?

Answer: White light contains a spectrum of colours due to the range of wavelengths it includes. A prism separates these colours because each wavelength bends by a different amount when passing through, a phenomenon known as dispersion.

Question 1: Define the term 'colour' in the context of light.

Answer: In light, 'colour' refers to the specific wavelength or combination of wavelengths that determine the perceived hue when light interacts with the human eye.

Question 2: Describe how the wavelength of light relates to its perceived colour.

Answer: The wavelength of light determines its colour; shorter wavelengths correspond to colours like blue and violet, while longer wavelengths correspond to red and orange.

Question 1: Calculate the wavelength of red light with a frequency of 4.3 × 10^14 Hz. Use the speed of light as 3.0 × 10^8 m/s. (Wavelength = speed of light / frequency)

Answer: Wavelength = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s ÷ 4.3 × 10^14 Hz = 6.98 × 10^-7 m

Question 2: An ultraviolet light has a wavelength of 1.0 × 10^-8 m. Calculate its frequency. (Use the speed of light as 3.0 × 10^8 m/s)

Answer: Frequency = 3.0 × 10^8 m/s ÷ 1.0 × 10^-8 m = 3.0 × 10^16 Hz

Question 1: Describe the key variables you would control when testing how different coloured filters affect the light passing through them.

Answer: Variables include the intensity of the incident light, the type and thickness of the filter, the distance between the filter and the light source, and environmental light conditions.

Question 2: List two safety precautions to consider when working with intense light sources and coloured filters in an experiment.

Answer: Wear protective eye goggles and avoid looking directly into intense light sources to prevent eye damage.

Question 1: A scientist measures the wavelengths of light emitted by a newly discovered mineral. The data shows peaks at 4.5 × 10^-7 m, 5.0 × 10^-7 m, and 6.0 × 10^-7 m. What colours do these wavelengths most likely correspond to?

Answer: These wavelengths correspond approximately to blue-violet, green, and red colours respectively.

Question 2: If the mineral's emission spectrum shifts towards shorter wavelengths under different conditions, what colour change might be observed?

Answer: The emitted light would shift towards blue and violet hues, indicating a higher energy emission.

Question 1: Explain how the human eye perceives different colours of light and discuss the importance of understanding this in designing lighting for art galleries. Include in your answer the role of wavelength and the limitations of human vision.

Answer: The human eye perceives different colours based on the wavelength of light reaching the retina. Cone cells in the retina are sensitive to different wavelength ranges, corresponding to red, green, and blue hues. When light of a particular wavelength stimulates these cells, the brain interprets this as a specific colour. Understanding this is crucial in designing lighting for art galleries to ensure that artworks are displayed in a way that accurately represents their colours. Limitations include the fact that human vision cannot perceive wavelengths outside the visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet or infrared light, and some colours may appear differently under various lighting conditions.