Asked in ETEA MDCAT 2010 2010Moderate

The traffic signals are red while the eyes are more sensitive to yellow because

Correct answer: B. Red light refracts less due to its long wavelength

  • A. Yellow has less speed
  • B. Red light refracts less due to its long wavelength
  • C. Actors
  • D. Beggars

Explanation

Red light has a longer wavelength compared to yellow light. Longer wavelengths tend to refract less when passing through mediums like the eye. This means that red light can more easily reach and stimulate the photoreceptor cells in the human eye, making it more visible. On the other hand, yellow light has a shorter wavelength compared to red light. This shorter wavelength causes more refraction when passing through the eye, making it less effective at stimulating the photoreceptor cells. As a result, red light is used in traffic signals to ensure that it can be easily seen, particularly in situations where visibility might be compromised or in low-light conditions.

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Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.

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