Final answer:
The statement is true; fiber-optic cables, coaxial cables, and copper telephone wiring are crucial for transporting data in information systems.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that orange fiber-optic cables, the coaxial cables used by cable TV companies, and the slender copper telephone wiring common in homes are an important part of the infrastructure of information systems is true.
Fiber optic cables are used extensively in communications to transmit telephone, internet, and cable TV signals. They are designed to use the principle of total internal reflection, where light that enters the thin fibers is likely to be totally reflected within, allowing for the efficient transmission of data over long distances and with minimal signal loss, high bandwidth, and reduced crosstalk compared to traditional copper cables.
Refraction plays a significant role in the operation of fiber optic cables, as it is the phenomenon responsible for light being guided through the cable. Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another of a different density, which in the context of fiber optics, allows light to be directed down the fibers and around corners. This process enables the transmission of signals with great efficiency, making use of the properties of materials with varying refractive indices.