Light Waves and Colors
We have 10 ready-to-use problem sets on the topic of Light Waves, along with a few review sets comprised of the problems in these sets (CP = Conceptual Physics, HP = Honors Physics).
These problem sets focus on the use of wave principles and equations to solve physics word problems associated with light speed, frequency, wavelength, illuminance, the Doppler shift, and two-point source interference.
Problem Sets
Set LW1 – Frequency-Wavelength-Speed 1
5 Problems - Easy Difficulty
Use the light speed and a given frequency or wavelength value for a light wave to calculate the wavelength or the frequency of the wave.
Set LW2 – Frequency-Wavelength-Speed 2
5 Problems - Easy Difficulty
Use the light speed and a given frequency or wavelength value for a light wave to calculate the wavelength or the frequency of the wave.
Set LW3 – Speed of Light
5 Problems - Easy Difficulty
Use the value of the speed of light to relate the distance that light travels to the time of travel.
Set LW4 – Illuminance vs. Distance
3 Problems - Medium Difficulty
Use the inverse square relationship between illuminance and distance to predict the effect that changes in distance will have upon the illuminance.
Set LW5 – Doppler Shift
4 Problems - Hard Difficulty
Use Doppler shift equations to analyze situations involving moving galaxies and speeding vehicles.
Set LW6 – Path Difference
8 Problems - Medium Difficulty
Analyze infomration about a two-point source interference pattern (for water, sound, or light waves) to relate the wavelength of the waves to the distances from the sources to a point on the pattern.
Set LW7 – Two Point Source Interference Applications
7 Problems - Hard Difficulty
Use the concept of a path difference (mainly) or Young's equation (occassionally) to analyze situations that involve destructive interference of waves traveling along different paths to the same receiver.
Set LW8 – Young's Experiment 1
5 Problems - Medium Difficulty
Use Young's equation and data from a two-point source interference experiment to determine the wavelength of light.
Set LW9 – Young's Experiment 2
6 Problems - Hard Difficulty
Use Young's equation to analyze data from a two-point source interference pattern in order to determine an unknown quantity.
Set LW10 – Young's Experiment 3
6 Problems - Hard Difficulty
Use Young's equation to analyze data from a two-point source interference pattern in order to determine an unknown quantity.
Summary Sets
These activities are combinations of the above Problem Sets, used primarily for Lesson Plans activities and Review
Light Waves 1: Path Difference (HP)
6 Problems - Medium Difficulty
Us path difference equations to solve the following problems.
Light Waves 2: Young's Experiment (HP)
4 Problems - Medium Difficulty
Use Young's equation to solve the following problems. Pay attention to units.