Assignment Questions

Q1 What is the actual difference between light of different colours?

Light comes in different colours, normally mixed together. The different coloured lights are created from different wavelengths. For example, red light has the longest wavelength, and violet has the shortest wavelength. When all of the colours of light are together, they create white light. When looking at an object, the colour you see is the colour of light that it reflects, while absorbing all other colours.

Q2 Define the following terms

Ambient light: Ambient light can refer to both natural light, and light from an artificial source. It is soft indirect light that fills a room.
Direct light diffuser: A light diffuser disperses light to make it softer and not as harsh.
Luminosity: Luminosity describes the brightness of a light
Energy efficiency: Energy efficiency refers to the amount of energy being used
Watts: A unit for measuring energy

Q3 Comment on global warming

Global warming is a major problem in today’s society. It refers to the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere increasing. There are many things that cause it, the main one being the rising amounts of greenhouse gases produced by burning fossil fuels and deforestation. When fossil fuels are burnt, they release carbon dioxide gas into the air. This wouldn’t be as much of a problem if it weren’t for deforestation. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the air and change it into oxygen when they photosynthesize, but because of deforestation there are less trees so the amount of carbon dioxide in the air is increasing. Another way greenhouse gases are created is from different forms of transport, like cars, trains and buses.
There are many problems that come from global warming. Due to the rising temperatures, the icebergs are melting, and this is causing the sea levels to rise and many animals to die. Polar bears use the ice to hunt for their food, and with the ice melting their range for hunting is reduced, so many of them are starving to death. The polar bears are losing their habitat as the ice platforms are shrinking and moving farther apart, so the bears have to swim further between the icebergs, and often they become too tired and drown. Global warming is affecting many other species in similar ways and they will soon be extinct if nothing is done to slow global warming.
Another problem that comes from global warming is extreme weather conditions, like draughts, heavy rain, severe storms and heat waves.
There are many ways that global warming can be decreased or slowed down. These include using energy efficient items, reducing use of cars, trains and other forms of transport that pollute the atmosphere, recycling materials and cutting down less trees. If these simple steps were taken global warming could be slowed.

Q4 How can the modern home become more energy efficient with regard to lighting?
The modern home could become more energy efficient by using solar powered lights, energy efficient lights, and not leaving lights on when they aren’t needed.

Q5 Research a modern-day lighting designer and comment on their contribution to the design world.
Claude Engle is an internationally known lighting consultant. He has designed lighting for many significant structures. These include the Louvre and the Reichstag.