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Sunlight is made up of visible light of different colours as well as many types of invisible radiation - Leaving Cert Physics - Question b - 2018
Question b
Sunlight is made up of visible light of different colours as well as many types of invisible radiation. (i) How could you show the different colours present in visi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Sunlight is made up of visible light of different colours as well as many types of invisible radiation - Leaving Cert Physics - Question b - 2018
Step 1
How could you show the different colours present in visible light?
Answer
To demonstrate the different colours present in visible light, you can use a simple experimental setup:
- Apparatus: Use a white light source (like a lamp), a screen, and a prism or CD/grating.
- Procedure:
- Shine the white light through the prism or CD/grating.
- You will observe that the light is refracted or diffracted, spreading into its constituent colours on the screen.
- Diagram: A labeled diagram showing this setup can also help illustrate the process and earn additional marks.
Step 2
Step 3
Compare the wavelength of UV radiation to the wavelength of infra-red (IR) radiation.
Answer
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation has a shorter wavelength compared to infra-red (IR) radiation. Specifically:
- Wavelength of UV: Typically ranges from about 10 nm to 400 nm.
- Wavelength of IR: Typically ranges from about 700 nm to 1 mm. Thus, UV radiation is on the higher energy side of the electromagnetic spectrum compared to IR.
Step 4
Describe how to detect UV radiation.
Answer
To detect UV radiation, one can use:
- Fluorescent Materials: Certain materials will fluoresce or glow when exposed to UV light, indicating its presence.
- Specialized UV Detectors: Instruments such as UV meters can quantitatively measure UV intensity and presence.
- Safety Precautions: It's important to use protective eyewear when working with UV light sources.
Step 5