Question

Refraction is the bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another. Why would a wave, such as a light wave, bend when it passes from air into water?

A.
The wave does not actually bend, but only appears to bend.
B.
Waves are usually reflected by water.
C.
The light wave interferes with other energy waves in the water.
D.
The speed of light slows in water.

Answer 1

D.

The speed of light slows in water.

Step-by-step explanation:

Just had this question.

Answer 2

When light waves travel from air to water the speed of light will change

as we know the formula is speed in any medium is given as

`\mu = (c)/(v)`

`\mu` = refractive index of the medium

so we can say whenever light moves from one medium to other the speed of light will change and due to this change in speed it will bend from its path

so we will use Snell's law to find the bending

`\mu_1 sin\theta_1 = \mu_2 sin\theta_2`

so here correct answer must be

D.

The speed of light slows in water.