Physical Optics Quizzes: Master Light Waves and Their Properties

Question 1

Polarized light is light in which the electric field of the light waves vibrates in a single direction.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 2

The resolving power of an optical instrument is its ability to separate two closely spaced objects.

Accepted Answer

True

Answer

False

Question 3

In a diffraction pattern, what causes the formation of bright and dark bands?

Accepted Answer

Constructive and destructive interference of waves

Answer

Absorption of light by the diffracting object

Answer

Reflection of light from the diffracting object

Answer

Refraction of light by the diffracting object

Question 4

Which application utilizes the principles of interference?

Accepted Answer

Holography

Answer

Fiber optics

Answer

Lasers

Answer

Solar cells

Question 5

What is the key difference between coherent and incoherent sources of light?

Accepted Answer

Coherent sources emit waves with a fixed phase relationship, while incoherent sources do not.

Answer

Incoherent sources emit waves with a random phase relationship, while coherent sources do not.

Answer

Coherent sources have a higher frequency than incoherent sources.

Answer

Coherent sources are brighter than incoherent sources.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a diffraction pattern?

Accepted Answer

It is always sharp and well-defined

Answer

It is formed when light passes through a narrow aperture

Answer

It consists of bright and dark bands

Answer

Its spacing depends on the wavelength of light

Question 7

What is the purpose of an analyzer in an optical system?

Accepted Answer

To determine the polarization state of light

Answer

To block light of a specific polarization

Answer

To convert linearly polarized light to circularly polarized light

Answer

To increase the intensity of light

Question 8

Which of the following is **not** a fundamental property of light waves?

Accepted Answer

Mass

Answer

Frequency

Answer

Amplitude

Answer

Wavelength

Question 9

The phenomenon of light bending as it passes from one medium to another is known as:

Accepted Answer

Refraction

Answer

Reflection

Answer

Diffraction

Answer

Polarization

Question 10

Young's double-slit experiment demonstrates which fundamental property of light?

Accepted Answer

Interference

Answer

Polarization

Answer

Diffraction

Question 11

Polarized light is characterized by:

Accepted Answer

Vibrations confined to a single plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation

Answer

Random vibrations

Answer

Vibrations in multiple planes

Answer

High intensity

Question 12

Which optical device selectively transmits light based on its polarization?

Accepted Answer

Polarizer

Answer

Prism

Answer

Diffraction grating

Answer

Lens

Question 13

Which application of optics utilizes the principles of diffraction?

Accepted Answer

Holography

Answer

Telescope

Answer

Lens

Answer

Microscope

Question 14

Total internal reflection occurs when light strikes a boundary at an angle:

Accepted Answer

Greater than the critical angle

Answer

Less than the critical angle

Answer

Perpendicular to the surface

Question 15

Polarized light is incident on a polarizer. The intensity of the transmitted light is measured to be 50% of the incident intensity. What is the angle between the polarization direction of the incident light and the transmission axis of the polarizer?

Accepted Answer

45°

Answer

30°

Answer

60°

Question 16

Which of the following is a characteristic of a laser beam?

Accepted Answer

High intensity

Answer

High divergence

Answer

Incoherent

Answer

Polychromatic

Question 17

A linearly polarized light wave is incident on a quarter-wave plate. The optic axis of the plate is oriented at 30° to the polarization direction of the incident light. What type of polarization will the light have after passing through the plate?

Accepted Answer

Elliptically polarized

Answer

Unpolarized

Answer

Linearly polarized

Answer

Circularly polarized

Question 18

Which of the following materials is commonly used in the construction of optical fibers?

Accepted Answer

Glass

Answer

Wood

Answer

Concrete

Answer

Metal