Appendix C

This study guide on light concepts was created as a study tool for students in my science class.  It was attached to my classroom web page so students and parents could access it at home.  I also saved it in a network folder so other 5th grade science teachers could access it.  The development of this study guide shows my understanding of the following elements from the NETS-T, CTTC, and CCCT.

 

NETS-T – I.a, I.b, I.e, III.d, V.d

CTTC – I.c, III.a, III.b

CCCT –1.4, 1.5

 

 

Study Guide for Chapter 1 – Light – Test Date: Oct. 4, 2007

 

Students should use the notes they took in class, graded homework, and their book to help them study.  Also, all class notes and study guides are available on my class web page.

 

Major Concepts:

  1. The electromagnetic spectrum includes x-rays, ultraviolet waves, visible light, infrared rays, microwaves, and radio waves.

 

  1. Light travels in the form of waves.

 

  1. Compare light waves by measuring their wavelengths and frequencies.

 

  1. Light reflects off mirrors in predictable ways.

 

  1. Light waves changes direction is they pass from one medium to another in a process called refraction.

 

Vocabulary:

Energy: the ability to do work or cause change in matter

Electromagnetic radiation:  energy given off by the sun

Visible light: the type of E-M radiation you can see

Ultraviolet light: E-M radiation that causes sunburn

Radio waves: E-M radiation with the longest wavelengths

Gamma rays: E-M radiation with the shortest wavelength

Laser: an intense beam of light that doesn’t spread out that much

Filament: Thin wire inside of light bulb that carries energy. (invented by Thomas Edison) Found inside incandescent bulbs.

Wave: disturbance that moves away from its starting point

Vacuum: region that is empty of any matter

Wavelength: distance form one crest of a wave to the next crest

Crest: the high point of a wave

Trough: low point of a wave

Amplitude: height of a wave from its resting point to its highest or lowest point

Frequency: number of waves produces each second

Reflection: bouncing back of light from a surface

Plane Mirror: a mirror with a flat surface, image seen is same size and shape of object

Concave mirror: mirror curving inward at middle.  Objects seen larger than actual size

Convex Mirror: mirror curving outward at middle.  Objects seen smaller than actual size

Refraction: the bending of light as it passes from one material to another

 

 

 

For short answer questions know:

 

What are 3 Types of mirrors and how do they differ?  In what situations would you use each mirror and why?

 

What is the difference between incandescent light and florescent light?

 

Know that the only things different between colors of the spectrum are their wavelength.

 

Know that as waves with longer wavelengths have lower frequency and carry less energy and waves with shorter wavelengths have higher frequency and carry more energy.

 

Parts of a wave:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Concave Mirror: Curves inward at middle. Lines represent light waves reflecting inward and enlarging image.

Convex Mirror: Curves outward at middle. Lines represent light waves reflecting outward and making image smaller, but giving broader view of background.

Students should be aware of how the frequency of waves increases as the spectrum in creases from radio waves to gamma rays.  Wavelengths are longer in the beginning of the spectrum and become shorter as they go from radio waves to gamma rays.