Why does light refract entering glass?

Question

Why does light refract entering glass??  
A. Intensity greater  
B. Frequency higher  
C. Speed slower  
D. Energy greater

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (C)Speed slower. 
Rationale: Light refracts when entering glass because it travels more slowly in glass than in air.Refraction occurs when light changes direction as it passes from one medium into another with a different optical density. This change in direction is caused by a change in the speed of light. Glass has a higher refractive index than air, meaning light travels more slowly in glass, which causes the light rays to bend at the boundary between the two media.A) Intensity greaterIntensity refers to the brightness of light. While some light may be reflected or absorbed at the surface of the glass, changes in intensity do not cause refraction. Refraction depends on changes in speed, not brightness.B) Frequency higherThe frequency of light remains constant when it passes from one medium to another. Because frequency determines color, the color of the light does not change during refraction. Only the wavelength and speed change.C) Speed slowerWhen light enters glass from air, its speed decreases because glass is optically denser. This reduction in speed causes the wavelength to shorten and the direction of the wavefronts to change, producing refraction as described by Snell’s law.D) Energy greaterThe energy of a photon depends on its frequency, which remains unchanged when light crosses a boundary between media. Therefore, the energy of the light does not increase and does not explain refraction.ConclusionRefraction occurs because light changes speed when moving between different media. Since light travels more slowly in glass than in air, its path bends, producing the observed refraction.

Why does light refract entering glass?

A
Intensity greater

B
Frequency higher

C
Speed slower

D
Energy greater

Light refracts when entering glass because it travels more slowly in glass than in air.

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Why does light refract entering glass?

A Intensity greater B Frequency higher C Speed slower D Energy greater

Light refracts when entering glass because it travels more slowly in glass than in air.

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
Intensity greater

B
Frequency higher

C
Speed slower

D
Energy greater