When light passes from air into water at an angle, why does the light ray bend toward the normal line?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Light travels slower in water than in air
- Step 1: Water has a higher optical density (refractive index n approx 1.33) than air (n approx 1.00), so light travels slower in water. Step 2. As the wavefront enters water at an angle, the side entering first slows down, causing the ray to refract toward the normal line. Answer: Light travels slower in water than in air. Why not the others: Frequency remains constant during refraction; speed and wavelength decrease.
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