Final answer:
The statement about mechanical splicing being the most accurate and durable method for joining two optical fibers is false; fused splicing is preferred. Refraction is a key principle in fiber optics, making the statement true. High-voltage wires are held aloft by insulators but are not wrapped in insulating material.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that mechanical splicing is the most accurate and durable method for joining two optical fibers is false. The preferred method for permanent connections is actually fused splicing, which involves using an electric arc to fuse the fiber ends together, creating a continuous fiber path with very low loss and high reliability. Mechanical splicing, where the fibers are aligned and held together by a mechanical fixture, can be quick and convenient but does not typically provide the same level of accuracy or durability as fused splicing.
Refraction is indeed useful in fiber optic cables for transmitting signals, and the statement is true. Refraction refers to the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index. This is a critical principle in fiber optics, which relies on the phenomenon of total internal reflection to keep light contained within the core of the fiber cable, enabling the transmission of data over long distances with minimal loss.
Concerning high-voltage wires, the statement is false. While it's true that the wires are indeed held aloft by insulating connectors, they are typically not wrapped in insulating material because they are already isolated from the ground and each other by air gaps, and the connectors provide the necessary insulation from the towers.
Optical fibers are an essential technology in modern medicine, supporting advancements such as microsurgery and remote surgery, where surgeons can perform procedures with minimal invasion by using instruments guided by fiber optic cables.