What happens to light when it enters a denser medium?

What happens to light when it enters a denser medium?

• A. Light slows down and bends towards the normal
• B. Light speeds up and bends away from the normal
• C. Light remains unchanged in speed and direction
• D. Light becomes polarized

Answer: (A)

When light enters a denser medium, its speed decreases due to the properties of the medium. The bending of light occurs because of a phenomenon known as refraction, which is governed by Snell's law. As light transitions from a less dense medium (like air) to a denser one (like water or glass), it slows down and bends toward the normal line, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of entry. This bending occurs because light takes the path of least time; in doing so, it moves more slowly in materials with a higher refractive index, effectively altering its direction. This behavior of light in denser media is widely observable in daily experiences, such as when a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water. Recognizing the relationship between the medium's density and light speed is fundamental to understanding concepts in optics, including lens design and optical instruments.

When light enters a denser medium, its speed decreases due to the properties of the medium. The bending of light occurs because of a phenomenon known as refraction, which is governed by Snell's law. As light transitions from a less dense medium (like air) to a denser one (like water or glass), it slows down and bends toward the normal line, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of entry. This bending occurs because light takes the path of least time; in doing so, it moves more slowly in materials with a higher refractive index, effectively altering its direction.

This behavior of light in denser media is widely observable in daily experiences, such as when a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water. Recognizing the relationship between the medium's density and light speed is fundamental to understanding concepts in optics, including lens design and optical instruments.