As light moves farther from its source, it becomes less bright. How does a wave model of light explain the change in brightness? Select all that apply.

Question

Group of answer choices

energy is absorbed as it travels through different media

light reflects off boundaries between media

the amount of energy in an area decreases as light moves away from a source

light spreads as it moves away from a source

Answer 1

The wave model of light explains the change in brightness as follows:

1. The amount of energy in an area decreases as light moves away from a source - As light travels, the energy is distributed over a larger area, which results in a decrease in brightness.

2. Light spreads as it moves away from a source - Light waves radiate outward in all directions from the source. As they move away, they spread out, causing the intensity (and thus brightness) to diminish with distance.

The other options, while they may relate to light behavior in certain contexts, do not directly explain the decrease in brightness due to the wave model of light. Therefore, the two applicable choices are:

• The amount of energy in an area decreases as light moves away from a source
• Light spreads as it moves away from a source