Question

Define collimated light.

1) Light that is made up of one wavelength
2) Light that travels parallel to one another in the same direction
3) When a beam of light opens up into a wide ray
4) When the crests and troughs of light waves line up

Answer 1

Collimated light consists of light rays that are parallel to each other and move in the same direction. It can be achieved by using a collimating or converging (convex) lens.

Step-by-step explanation:

Collimated light refers to light rays that are parallel to one another and travel in the same direction. This attribute is characteristic of laser beams and can be achieved by passing light through certain optical devices, like a collimating lens or using a converging lens.

A collimating lens works by taking light from a point source or diverging rays and turning them into a parallel beam of light. Similarly, a converging lens, such as a convex lens, can produce collimated light if the light source is placed at its focal point. An example of this can be seen in lighthouses or traffic lights where a light source is placed at the focal point of a convex lens resulting in parallel rays of light emerging from the other side and creating a directional beam of light.