When light passes from a denser medium to a rarer medium, it:a)Speeds ...
When light passes from a denser medium to a rarer medium, it speeds up.
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When light passes from a denser medium to a rarer medium, it:a)Speeds ...
Understanding Light Refraction
When light travels from a denser medium, like water or glass, to a rarer medium, such as air, it undergoes a phenomenon known as refraction.
What Happens During Refraction?
- When light enters a denser medium, it slows down due to the medium's higher optical density.
- Conversely, when it moves to a rarer medium, it speeds up. This change in speed is crucial for understanding light behavior.
Why Does Light Speed Up?
- Optical Density: The denser the medium, the slower light travels through it. This is due to the interaction between photons and the atoms in the medium.
- Transition to Rarer Medium: Upon entering a rarer medium, the interaction decreases, allowing light to travel faster.
Real-Life Examples
- Air and Water: When light exits water into air, it accelerates, causing the light to bend away from the normal line (the imaginary line perpendicular to the surface).
- Visual Effects: This speed change causes phenomena like the bending of a straw in a glass of water, creating an optical illusion.
Conclusion
In summary, as light transitions from a denser medium to a rarer medium, it indeed speeds up. This fundamental concept of physics explains various optical phenomena we encounter in daily life. Understanding this principle is essential for anyone studying optics, including those preparing for exams like the Delhi Police Constable test.