Question

Two rays of light have different colors (blue and green), and both are equally bright compared to the other. Indicate whether each property is the same or different when describing the amplitude, and indicate whether the property is larger for blue or green.

1) The amplitude is the same for both blue and green
2) The amplitude is different for blue and green
3) The amplitude is larger for blue
4) The amplitude is larger for green

Answer 1

The amplitude of light waves is related to brightness, and since the blue and green rays of light are equally bright, their amplitude is the same. The color difference is due to the wavelength and frequency differences, not amplitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

In optics, the amplitude of light waves is associated with their brightness or intensity, while the wavelength and frequency are associated with their color. If the blue and green rays of light are equally bright, this indicates that they have the same amplitude. Color differences between blue and green light are due to differences in wavelength and frequency, not amplitude. Typically, blue light has a shorter wavelength and higher frequency than green light, but since both rays are equally bright, this does not affect their amplitude.

Therefore, in response to the student's question options:

1. The amplitude is the same for both blue and green.
2. The amplitude is different for blue and green. (This option is incorrect because brightness is the same.)
3. The amplitude is larger for blue. (This option is incorrect because brightness is the same.)
4. The amplitude is larger for green. (This option is incorrect because brightness is the same.)