Refraction, Color & Transparent Materials — Practice · Grade 6 Science

Chapter: Electricity, Magnetism & Light

What this practice covers

By the end of Refraction, Color & Transparent Materials you should be able to:

8 questions, written answer and multiple choice, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: refraction, spectrum, evidence, system boundary, uncertainty.

Problem 1

Does a ray at 0° from the normal have to bend sideways?
Answer and explanation

No. Its speed can change while its direction remains along the normal.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 2

What evidence would challenge a claim that the spoon broke?
Answer and explanation

An intact spoon outside the water and the modeled change in light paths support apparent displacement instead.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 3

Does a prism make colors from new matter?
Answer and explanation

No. It separates components of the incoming light through wavelength-dependent propagation.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 4

Why is source color part of the explanation?
Answer and explanation

The surface cannot reflect an absent green component in this idealized model; observed color depends on both source and material.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 5

Develop a complete response: Explain each outcome and one model limitation. Include relevant evidence and one method or model limit.
Answer and explanation

The ray bends toward the normal because 22° is less than 35° in this air-to-water model. The card appears dark because the red-only source supplies no blue for it to reflect. These diagrams omit detailed wavelength response, intensity, and actual material variation; they are not universal measurements of every card or liquid.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 6

Apply the unit independently: A learner says every transparent boundary must bend every ray. Give a counterexample. Give a reason and a relevant qualification.
Answer and explanation

A ray traveling directly along the normal can change speed without changing direction. Refraction’s speed change and oblique bending must be distinguished.

Compare the scientific meaning and reasoning after an independent attempt. A different accurate supported response can be correct; human review is required.

Problem 7

Which statement correctly uses refraction in Refraction, Color & Transparent Materials?
  1. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
  2. Every ray must bend sideways at every transparent boundary.
  3. An object appears the same color under every possible light source.
  4. refraction: A change in light propagation speed at a medium boundary, commonly with oblique bending.
Answer and explanation

refraction: A change in light propagation speed at a medium boundary, commonly with oblique bending.

A change in light propagation speed at a medium boundary, commonly with oblique bending. The ray bends toward the normal because 22° is less than 35° in this air-to-water model. The card appears dark because the red-only source supplies no blue for it to reflect. These diagrams omit detailed wavelength response, intensity, and actual material variation; they are not universal measurements of every card or liquid.

Problem 8

Which statement correctly uses spectrum in Refraction, Color & Transparent Materials?
  1. spectrum: A range of light components distinguished by wavelength.
  2. Every ray must bend sideways at every transparent boundary.
  3. An object appears the same color under every possible light source.
  4. One illustrative result establishes every real condition and needs no further evidence.
Answer and explanation

spectrum: A range of light components distinguished by wavelength.

A range of light components distinguished by wavelength. The ray bends toward the normal because 22° is less than 35° in this air-to-water model. The card appears dark because the red-only source supplies no blue for it to reflect. These diagrams omit detailed wavelength response, intensity, and actual material variation; they are not universal measurements of every card or liquid.

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