When light of two colors A and B is passed through a plane boundary ; ...
Explanation of the Phenomenon of Refraction
When light passes from one medium to another, it changes its direction. This phenomenon is called refraction. The angle of refraction depends on the angle of incidence and the properties of the two media. The refractive index of a medium is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when it crosses the medium.
Why Color A is Bent More than Color B?
When light of two colors A and B is passed through a plane boundary, A is bent more than B. This happens because the refractive index of a medium depends on the wavelength of light. The refractive index of a medium is higher for shorter wavelengths of light and lower for longer wavelengths of light.
Color A has a shorter wavelength than color B. Therefore, it experiences a higher refractive index in the second medium, which causes it to bend more than color B.
Which Color Travels More Slowly in the Second Medium?
Color A travels more slowly in the second medium than color B. This is because the speed of light in a medium is inversely proportional to the refractive index of the medium. Since color A experiences a higher refractive index in the second medium, its speed is reduced more than color B, which experiences a lower refractive index.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phenomenon of refraction causes light to change direction when it passes from one medium to another. The amount of bending depends on the angle of incidence and the properties of the two media. The refractive index of a medium is higher for shorter wavelengths of light and lower for longer wavelengths of light. Therefore, color A, which has a shorter wavelength, experiences a higher refractive index in the second medium, causing it to bend more and travel more slowly than color B.