Question

In a physics experiment, you are asked to record the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection when a beam of light passes from one medium to another. Below, you have a diagram representing this scenario. Please select the correct statement explaining why the diagram looks the way it does.

Options:
A) The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of reflection because the speed of light is faster in the second medium.
B) The angle of incidence is less than the angle of reflection because the second medium is denser.
C) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection because of the law of reflection.
D) The angle of incidence is unrelated to the angle of reflection due to the nature of light.

Answer 1

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection due to the law of reflection, regardless of the medium's properties.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement explaining why the diagram may show specific angles is C) The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection because of the law of reflection. Regardless of the medium's refractive index, the law of reflection states that the angle of incidence will always equal the angle of reflection when light reflects off a surface. The other options incorrectly describe refraction rather than reflection, or they do not apply to the principles of light's behavior upon reflection.