Visible light (physics only) Knowledge questions for AQA GCSE Physics

For some of these questions, it is useful to be able to answer them using ROYGBIV diagrams.

1. Write down the colours that make up the visible spectrum. 

2. What is meant by the phrase ‘Each colour within the visible light spectrum has its own narrow band of wavelength and frequency? 

3. Which colour has the longest wavelength? 

4. Which colour has the highest frequency? Can you explain why using the wave equation?

5. What is reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction called? What can you say about the angle of incidence and angle of reflection? 

6. What is reflection from a rough surface called? What happens to the light in this case? What can you say about the angle of incidence and angle of reflection in this case?

7. How do coloured filters work? Use the words absorbing and transmitting in your answers. 

8. What does the word opaque mean? 

9. Why do blue objects look blue in white light? Use a diagram to help explain your answer. 

10. Why do some objects look white in white light? 

11. Why do some objects look black in white light? 

12. What do you understand by the terms transparent and translucent? 

13. Give an example of a translucent and transparent object.  What would sea water be?

14. What does a red object look like through a red filter in white light? Explain your answer. 

15. What does a red object look like through a blue filter in white light? 

16. What do you see if you place a blue filter on top of a yellow filter in white light?