Why does a ray of light bend when it travels from one medium into another?

Question

Answer

Refraction is the bending of the path of a light wave as it passes from one material into another material. The refraction occurs at the boundary and is caused by a change in the speed of the light wave upon crossing the boundary.

Answer

A ray of light bend when it enters from one medium to another because light travels in different speed in different medium this is known as refraction of light.

Answer

Introduction
When a ray of light travels from one medium to another, it undergoes a change in direction, which is called refraction. This phenomenon occurs because the speed of light changes as it passes from one medium to another. The speed of light is different in different media, and the change in speed causes the light to bend.

Explanation
The phenomenon of refraction can be explained by the following principles:

Snell’s Law
Snell’s Law states that the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction is equal to the ratio of the velocities of light in the two media. This law is expressed mathematically as:

n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2

Where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media, θ1 is the angle of incidence, and θ2 is the angle of refraction.

Change in Speed
As light travels from one medium to another, its speed changes. The speed of light is highest in vacuum and decreases when it passes through a medium. The speed of light in a medium is directly proportional to the refractive index of the medium. Therefore, the change in speed causes the light to bend.

Change in Direction
When a ray of light enters a medium at an angle, it changes its direction. This change in direction occurs because the speed of light changes as it enters the new medium. The change in direction is determined by the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two media.

Conclusion
In conclusion, when a ray of light travels from one medium to another, it undergoes a change in direction due to the change in speed. This phenomenon is known as refraction and is governed by Snell’s Law. The angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two media determine the change in direction of the light.

Answer

Answer

The ray passing through the centre of curvature incident to the mirror along its normal so ∠i= ∠r = 0. Therefore, the ray retraces its path.

Similar Class 10 Doubts

why does a ray of light bend when it travels form one medium to another??

What happens when light enters from one medium to ... moreanother? Does it still move in a straight line ?

We know that light refracts (or bends) when it goes from one medium to another. Now, the atmosphere contains only air. Then how does light get refracted on passing through only air in the atmosphere?

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