Physics - Review Answer 156

Main Desktop

Lessons Desktop

Review Desktop

Lab Desktop

Chart Desktop

156.

As the light travels from Air into Water, the light bends

A. away from normal because water has a lower index refraction.

B. toward normal because water has a lower index of refraction.

C. toward normal because water has a higher index of refraction.

D. away from normal because water has a higher index refraction.

speed of light in a vacuum
n = -------------------------------------------
speed of light in the medium

Light travels almost as fast in air as it does in a vacuum. The index of refraction of air is just a little greater than 1.

Light travels significantly slower in water than it does in a vacuum. The index of refraction of air is significantly greater than 1.

n_air sin theta_air = n_water sin theta_water (Snell's Law)

Since water has the larger index of refraction, it will have the smaller angle. The light will bend toward the normal.

The Correct Answer is C.