(Question)
The more curved the surface of a lens is, the more it refracts light.  If a lens loses its curvature, it will refract more or less light?
(Answer)
less


(Question)
The water table is higher when there is a lot of rain and lower when the weather is dry.  If Jim measures the water table of his local region before it rains and compares it to a measurement taken after it rains, it will be lower before it rains or after it rains?
(Answer)
before it rains


(Question)
However, the energy is diluted as an electromagnetic wave travels farther from its source because it spreads out over an ever-larger area.  Something with a lot of energy travels short distances or long distances?
(Answer)
long distances