What occurs to light when it passes from air into water?

What occurs to light when it passes from air into water?

• A. It speeds up and bends away from the normal
• B. It remains unchanged
• C. It slows down and bends towards the normal
• D. It reflects completely back into the air

Answer: (C)

When light passes from air into water, it enters a medium that is denser than air. This change in medium results in the light slowing down due to the higher refractive index of water compared to air. According to Snell's law, which describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light travels between two different media, the light will bend towards the normal (the imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence). This phenomenon is commonly observed and is fundamental to understanding how lenses and optical fibers work. Thus, as the light transitions into the water, it experiences both a reduction in speed and a change in direction towards the normal line.

When light passes from air into water, it enters a medium that is denser than air. This change in medium results in the light slowing down due to the higher refractive index of water compared to air. According to Snell's law, which describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light travels between two different media, the light will bend towards the normal (the imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence). This phenomenon is commonly observed and is fundamental to understanding how lenses and optical fibers work. Thus, as the light transitions into the water, it experiences both a reduction in speed and a change in direction towards the normal line.