Question

Light refracts when it passes through some objects. What is refraction? Options: the passing of light through an object, the transformation of light into another form of energy, bending of light as it moves through different mediums, bouncing of light off the surface of an object.

Answer 1

Refraction is the process where the direction of light changes as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in speed, often observable as a bending effect. This phenomenon is based on the law of refraction and is essential for lenses to focus light.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term refraction refers to the change in direction that occurs when a light ray passes through variations in matter, such as transitioning from air into water or glass. This bending of light happens because light changes speed when it goes from one medium to another, which is governed by the law of refraction (Snell's law).

For example, when a light wave enters a denser medium at an angle, the speed of the wavefronts decreases, causing the wavefronts to bend and thus change direction; this is why a straw in a glass of water appears bent or why a pool looks shallower than it actually is. Similarly, a lens uses the principles of refraction to focus light and create images.