Physical Boot Camp
5.6C
Demonstrate that light travels in a straight line until it
strikes an object or travels through one medium to another
and demonstrate that light can be reflected such as the use
of mirrors or other shiny surfaces and refracted such as the
appearance of an object when observed through water.
1. Which of these best demonstrates the reflection of
light?
F. Looking through the glass of a large window
G. Looking at an image formed on a silver spoon
H. Looking at a light bulb that is glowing
J. Looking at a star on a clear night
1. Which of these best demonstrates the reflection of
light?
F. Looking through the glass of a large window
G. Looking at an image formed on a silver spoon
H. Looking at a light bulb that is glowing
J. Looking at a star on a clear night
2. When light travels through air into a prism, it bends and separates
into many colors.
In which other situation does light bend?
A. When light moves through air into water
B. When light hits a wall
C. When light passes through outer space
D. When light hits a mirror
2. When light travels through air into a prism, it bends and separates
into many colors.
In which other situation does light bend?
A. When light moves through air into water
B. When light hits a wall (absorb/take in)
C. When light passes through outer space
D. When light hits a mirror (reflect/bounce)
3. Scientists use telescopes to make distant objects appear closer.
Some parts of a telescope are shown below.
Which of the following best describes how the object lens of this
telescope helps scientists observe the moon?
A. The object lens produces light.
B. The objective lens blocks light
C. The objective lens reflects light.
D. The objective lens refracts light.
2013 STAAR #31; RC2; Readiness
3. Scientists use telescopes to make distant objects appear closer.
Some parts of a telescope are shown below.
Which of the following best describes how the object lens of this
telescope helps scientists observe the moon?
A. The object lens produces light.
B. The objective lens blocks light
C. The objective lens reflects light.
D. The objective lens refracts light.
4.
4.
5.
5.
6. A student set a glass of water next to an open
textbook. When she looked through the glass, the
student noticed that the writing in the book
looked much bigger. This happened because light
from the room was reflected off the textbook and
was —
A
B
C
D
reflected off the glass
refracted by the water
absorbed by the water
sped up by the glass
6. A student set a glass of water next to an open
textbook. When she looked through the glass, the
student noticed that the writing in the book
looked much bigger. This happened because light
from the room was reflected off the textbook and
was —
A
B
C
D
reflected off the glass
refracted by the water
absorbed by the water
sped up by the glass
2003—#16 (30%)
7. Light traveling through a pair of
eyeglasses is —
F
G
H
J
refracted
transmitted
absorbed
reflected
2003—#16 (30%)
7. Light traveling through a pair of
eyeglasses is —
F
G
H
J
refracted
transmitted
absorbed
reflected
8.
8.
9.
9.
10.
10.
11. Light strikes an object and bounces back
toward its source. What is this change in direction
called?
A
B
C
D
Reflection
Refraction
Redirection
Conduction
11. Light strikes an object and bounces back
toward its source. What is this change in direction
called?
A
B
C
D
Reflection
Refraction
Redirection
Conduction
12. Which of the following objects would be
classified as translucent?
A
B
C
D
A shiny mirror
A clear pane of glass
A large piece of wood
A frosted glass window
12. Which of the following objects would be
classified as translucent?
A
B
C
D
A shiny mirror
A clear pane of glass
A large piece of wood
A frosted glass window
13. How does a flashlight help one to see at night?
A The flashlight reflects off of various objects,
allowing them to be seen.
B The flashlight causes objects to give off light so
they can be seen.
C The light from a flashlight is absorbed by objects
that then glow.
D The flashlight causes objects to appear larger
and easier to see.
13. How does a flashlight help one to see at night?
A The flashlight reflects off of various objects,
allowing them to be seen.
B The flashlight causes objects to give off light so
they can be seen.
C The light from a flashlight is absorbed by objects
that then glow.
D The flashlight causes objects to appear larger
and easier to see.
14. When light passes through water, it
changes direction. This is called—
A
B
C
D
insulation
refraction
reflection
transpiration
14. When light passes through water, it
changes direction. This is called—
A
B
C
D
insulation
refraction
reflection
transpiration
15. What characteristic of light energy causes
people to be able to see objects around
them?
A
B
C
D
Absorption
Refraction
Reflection
Rotation
15. What characteristic of light energy causes
people to be able to see objects around
them?
A
B
C
D
Absorption
Refraction
Reflection
Rotation
16. Light traveling through a beaker of
water is—
A
B
C
D
refracted
reflected
absorbed
transmitted
16. Light traveling through a beaker of
water is—
A
B
C
D
refracted
reflected
absorbed
transmitted
17.
17.
18. When light hits an object, the rays can
pass through it, bounce off it, or be absorbed
by it. Light rays that bounce back are –
A
B
C
D
radiant
reflected
refracted
radar
18. When light hits an object, the rays can
pass through it, bounce off it, or be absorbed
by it. Light rays that bounce back are –
A
B
C
D
radiant
reflected
refracted
radar
19.
19.
20. When light bounces off the surface of
a mirror, the property demonstrated is—
A
B
C
D
reflection
refraction
energy
brightness
20. When light bounces off the surface of
a mirror, the property demonstrated is—
A
B
C
D
reflection
refraction
energy
brightness
21. When light travels through the lens of a
hand lens, the light is –
A
B
C
D
reflected
refracted
radiated
absorbed
21. When light travels through the lens of a
hand lens, the light is –
A
B
C
D
reflected
refracted
radiated
absorbed
22. Which statement below BEST explains why the horse
can be seen in the puddle of water?
A
B
C
D
Light is reflected off of the water.
Light is absorbed by the water.
Light goes through the horse to the water.
Light is absorbed by the horse.
22. Which statement below BEST explains why the horse
can be seen in the puddle of water?
A
B
C
D
Light is reflected off of the water.
Light is absorbed by the water.
Light goes through the horse to the water.
Light is absorbed by the horse.
23. Which is an example of an everyday object
that does NOT work due to refracted light?
F
G
H
J
Camera
Telescope
Microscope
Mirror
23. Which is an example of an everyday object
that does NOT work due to refracted light?
F
G
H
J
Camera
Telescope
Microscope
Mirror
24. A rainbow is an example of—
A
B
C
D
light reflected by a mirror
white light splitting into colors
light refracted by a telescope
raindrops changing colors
24. A rainbow is an example of—
A
B
C
D
light reflected by a mirror
white light splitting into colors
light refracted by a telescope
raindrops changing colors
25.
25.
26. Which of the following makes a rainbow possible
after a rainstorm?
A When water is refracted by the sun, it separates
into all the colors of the rainbow.
B Water reflects sunlight like a mirror to make it
separate into colors.
C Overhead black clouds reflect in puddles to cause
a mirage.
D Air pollution causes the sky to look colored under
these conditions.
26. Which of the following makes a rainbow possible
after a rainstorm?
A When water is refracted by the sun, it separates
into all the colors of the rainbow.
B Water reflects sunlight like a mirror to make it
separate into colors.
C Overhead black clouds reflect in puddles to cause
a mirage.
D Air pollution causes the sky to look colored under
these conditions.
27.
27.
28.
28.
29.
29.
30. Light bends when it moves from one
substance into another. This property is
called—
A
B
C
D
reflection
absorption
refraction
transmission
30. Light bends when it moves from one
substance into another. This property is
called—
A
B
C
D
reflection
absorption
refraction
transmission
31.
31.
32.
32.
33.
33.
34.
34.
35. A lens is a curved piece of glass that
refracts light from an object as it goes
through the glass. Which of the following
tools does NOT have a lens to refract light?
A
B
C
D
Camera
Mirror
Telescope
Binoculars
35. A lens is a curved piece of glass that
refracts light from an object as it goes
through the glass. Which of the following
tools does NOT have a lens to refract light?
A
B
C
D
Camera
Mirror
Telescope
Binoculars
36. The most light would be reflected when
it—
A
B
C
D
strikes a smooth, shiny surface
strikes a dark, rough surface
passes through a piece of clear glass
passes into a new material
36. The most light would be reflected when
it—
A
B
C
D
strikes a smooth, shiny surface
strikes a dark, rough surface
passes through a piece of clear glass
passes into a new material
37. Eyeglasses have the ability to bend light
rays to allow the eyes to focus clearly on an
object. What is this bending of light called?
A
B
C
D
Light energy
Symmetry
Reflection
Refraction
37. Eyeglasses have the ability to bend light
rays to allow the eyes to focus clearly on an
object. What is this bending of light called?
A
B
C
D
Light energy
Symmetry
Reflection
Refraction
38. Which of the following tools use lenses to
reflect or refract light?
A
B
C
D
Calculators, hot plates, and magnets
Microscopes, meter sticks, and stopwatches
Safety goggles, compasses, and cameras
Hand lenses, cameras, and microscopes
38. Which of the following tools use lenses to
reflect or refract light?
A
B
C
D
Calculators, hot plates, and magnets
Microscopes, meter sticks, and stopwatches
Safety goggles, compasses, and cameras
Hand lenses, cameras, and microscopes
39. What is one way that the human eye and a
telescope are alike?
A Both can easily see great distances in the
solar system.
B Both have lenses that refract light.
C Both are parts of the human body.
D Both can reflect light for great distances.
39. What is one way that the human eye and a
telescope are alike?
A Both can easily see great distances in the
solar system.
B Both have lenses that refract light.
C Both are parts of the human body.
D Both can reflect light for great distances.
40.
40.
41.
41.
42.
42.
43. A prism is used to—
A
B
C
D
block light rays
refract light rays
reflect an image
change heat into light
43. A prism is used to—
A
B
C
D
block light rays
refract light rays
reflect an image
change heat into light
44.
44.
45. Which of the following objects would
BEST reflect light?
A
B
C
D
Waxed paper
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Craft paper
45. Which of the following objects would
BEST reflect light?
A
B
C
D
Waxed paper
Aluminum foil
Plastic wrap
Craft paper
46.
46.
47. A shiny aluminum screen can be placed
on the windshield of a parked car. This
screen helps to keep the car cool because
it—
A
B
C
D
reflects the sunlight
absorbs heat
causes evaporation
conducts electricity
47. A shiny aluminum screen can be placed
on the windshield of a parked car. This
screen helps to keep the car cool because
it—
A
B
C
D
reflects the sunlight
absorbs heat
causes evaporation
conducts electricity
48.
48.
49. Which of the following best explains why it is
harder to see your reflection in a rough surface than a
smooth surface?
A When light hits a rough surface, much of it is
absorbed into the substance.
B When light hits a smooth surface, much of it is
refracted so that it bends.
C When light hits a rough surface, much of it is
reflected in many different directions.
D When light hits a smooth surface, the light is mostly
converted to energy.
49. Which of the following best explains why it is
harder to see your reflection in a rough surface than a
smooth surface?
A When light hits a rough surface, much of it is
absorbed into the substance.
B When light hits a smooth surface, much of it is
refracted so that it bends.
C When light hits a rough surface, much of it is
reflected in many different directions.
D When light hits a smooth surface, the light is mostly
converted to energy.
M.S. ?’s
50. What happens when light hits an object that it
cannot pass through?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The light is refracted or absorbed.
The light is reflected or absorbed.
The light is reflected or refracted.
The light is scattered or curved.
M.S. ?’s
50. What happens when light hits an object that it
cannot pass through?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The light is refracted or absorbed.
The light is reflected or absorbed.
The light is reflected or refracted.
The light is scattered or curved.
M.S. ?’s
51. Sometimes it is possible to see light rays. An
example is when sunlight is breaking through the
clouds. Sunlight breaking through the clouds
demonstrates how light rays travel in –
A.
B.
C.
D.
Straight lines
Curved rays
Zigzag rays
Circular waves
M.S. ?’s
51. Sometimes it is possible to see light rays. An
example is when sunlight is breaking through the
clouds. Sunlight breaking through the clouds
demonstrates how light rays travel in –
A.
B.
C.
D.
Straight lines
Curved rays
Zigzag rays
Circular waves
Transparent
Translucent
Opaque
Drinking glass
Wax paper
Aluminum foil
Sealable Bag
Shower curtain
Wood
52. When light hits different types of objects, it acts
differently depending on the object. Which object
above best reflects light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sealable bag
Shower curtain
Aluminum foil
Drinking glass
Transparent
Translucent
Opaque
Drinking glass
Wax paper
Aluminum foil
Sealable Bag
Shower curtain
Wood
52. When light hits different types of objects, it acts
differently depending on the object. Which object
above best reflects light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Sealable bag
Shower curtain
Aluminum foil
Drinking glass
53. Does water refract or reflect light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
refract
reflect
Refracts and reflects
Neither refracts nor reflects
53. Does water refract or reflect light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
refract
reflect
Refracts and reflects
Neither refracts nor reflects
54. Students were performing an investigation to
compare and contrast the effects of reflection and
refraction. What tools are most helpful to students
when conducting this investigation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Magnets, mirrors
Prisms, hand lenses
Hand lenses, cameras
Mirrors, prisms
54. Students were performing an investigation to
compare and contrast the effects of reflection and
refraction. What tools are most helpful to students
when conducting this investigation?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Magnets, mirrors
Prisms, hand lenses
Hand lenses, cameras
Mirrors, prisms
55. Light travels into a camera lens to form a small,
upside down image on the inside of the camera.
Which of the following best describes why the lens
flips and decreases the size of the image?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Light is refracted by the lens.
Light is absorbed by the lens.
Light is reflected by the lens.
Light is transmitted by the lens.
55. Light travels into a camera lens to form a small,
upside down image on the inside of the camera.
Which of the following best describes why the lens
flips and decreases the size of the image?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Light is refracted by the lens.
Light is absorbed by the lens.
Light is reflected by the lens.
Light is transmitted by the lens.
56. What is the difference between refraction and
reflection?
A. Light bends when it is reflected and bounces off
when it is refracted.
B. Light bounces off when it is reflected and bends
when it is refracted.
C. Light travels in curved lines when it is reflected
and straight lines when it is refracted.
D. When light is refracted, it no longer travels.
56. What is the difference between refraction and
reflection?
A. Light bends when it is reflected and bounces off
when it is refracted.
B. Light bounces off when it is reflected and bends
when it is refracted.
C. Light travels in curved lines when it is reflected
and straight lines when it is refracted.
D. When light is refracted, it no longer travels.
57. What happens when light strikes a dark, heavy
object?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Light is refracted.
The light moves quickly through the medium.
Light energy is absorbed.
Light does not strike dark objects.
57. What happens when light strikes a dark, heavy
object?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Light is refracted.
The light moves quickly through the medium.
Light energy is absorbed.
Light does not strike dark objects.
58. A man floating in a boat on a lake sees an image of an
airplane in the water. At the same time he hears a plane and
turns to see the source of the sound in the sky. Which
property of light best explains why an image of the plane
appears in the water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Conduction
Reflection
Absorption
Refraction
58. A man floating in a boat on a lake sees an image of an
airplane in the water. At the same time he hears a plane and
turns to see the source of the sound in the sky. Which
property of light best explains why an image of the plane
appears in the water?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Conduction
Reflection
Absorption
Refraction
59. Students performed an experiment testing refraction of
objects in water. First, they recorded how objects looked in
hot water. Then they used cold water to test if the
appearance changed. What variable did students test in this
experiment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Temperature of water
The student who performed the experiment
Time of day the experiment was performed
The objects tested
59. Students performed an experiment testing refraction of
objects in water. First, they recorded how objects looked in
hot water. Then they used cold water to test if the
appearance changed. What variable did students test in this
experiment?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Temperature of water
The student who performed the experiment
Time of day the experiment was performed
The objects tested
60. Before beginning an experiment, students were
instructed to gather the materials necessary to classify
objects with the properties of reflection or refraction. What
objects could be used as materials that reflect light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Glass, water, and camera
Water, piece of wood, and clear plastic container
DVD, shiny pot, and mirror
Mirror, wood, water
60. Before beginning an experiment, students were
instructed to gather the materials necessary to classify
objects with the properties of reflection or refraction. What
objects could be used as materials that reflect light?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Glass, water, and camera
Water, piece of wood, and clear plastic container
DVD, shiny pot, and mirror
Mirror, wood, water
61. After an experiment testing refraction of light in water, a
student made the following conclusion:
Objects look broken when they are in water so light is
reflected in water.
Was the student’s conclusion accurate?
A. Yes, because when objects appear broken in water, they
are reflected.
B. Yes, because all objects can reflect light.
C. No, because objects submerged in water do not appear
broken.
D. No, because objects appear broken in water due to
refraction of light.
61. After an experiment testing refraction of light in water, a
student made the following conclusion:
Objects look broken when they are in water so light is
reflected in water.
Was the student’s conclusion accurate?
A. Yes, because when objects appear broken in water, they
are reflected.
B. Yes, because all objects can reflect light.
C. No, because objects submerged in water do not appear
broken.
D. No, because objects appear broken in water due to
refraction of light.
62. While investigating whether objects reflect or refract
light, a student asked when would be an appropriate time to
make a conclusion. What is a good response to this
question?
A. After performing experiments one time, a reliable
conclusion can be made.
B. No matter how many times an experiment is tested, you
should never make a conclusion.
C. Test the experiment several times to ensure your
conclusion is accurate.
D. All responses are correct.
62. While investigating whether objects reflect or refract
light, a student asked when would be an appropriate time to
make a conclusion. What is a good response to this
question?
A. After performing experiments one time, a reliable
conclusion can be made.
B. No matter how many times an experiment is tested, you
should never make a conclusion.
C. Test the experiment several times to ensure your
conclusion is accurate.
D. All responses are correct.
63. Bifocals were invented in 1784 by a famous scientist
named Benjamin Franklin. He invented bifocals to make it
easier to see both up close and far away. Bifocals are a type
of glasses which have two different lenses. One lens helps
people to see at a distance, and the other is for seeing up
close. Why can people who are both nearsighted and
farsighted see better through bifocals?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The bifocal lenses refract light.
The bifocal lenses reflect light.
The bifocal lenses make light less visible.
The bifocal lenses absorb light.
63. Bifocals were invented in 1784 by a famous scientist
named Benjamin Franklin. He invented bifocals to make it
easier to see both up close and far away. Bifocals are a type
of glasses which have two different lenses. One lens helps
people to see at a distance, and the other is for seeing up
close. Why can people who are both nearsighted and
farsighted see better through bifocals?
A.
B.
C.
D.
The bifocal lenses refract light.
The bifocal lenses reflect light.
The bifocal lenses make light less visible.
The bifocal lenses absorb light.
64. When exploring light in an outdoor investigation, which
safety rule should be followed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Never look directly at the Sun.
Wear a lab coat or apron.
Wear sandals or open-toed shoes.
When waiting for directions, play with your friends.
64. When exploring light in an outdoor investigation, which
safety rule should be followed?
A.
B.
C.
D.
Never look directly at the Sun.
Wear a lab coat or apron.
Wear sandals or open-toed shoes.
When waiting for directions, play with your friends.