Question

What is the cause of changes in the direction of light?

Answer 1

Light refracts whenever it travels at an angle into a substance with a different refractive index (optical density). This change of direction is caused by a change in speed. ... When light travels from air into water, it slows down, causing it to change direction slightly. This change of direction is called refraction.

Answer 2

Light refracts whenever it travels at an angle into a substance with a different refractive index (optical density). This change of direction is caused by a change in speed. ... When light travels from air into water, it slows down, causing it to change direction slightly. This change of direction is called refraction