Chapter 14, Problem 9STP

To determine

The behaviour of wave where the wave changes its direction and there is movement from a given medium to another medium.

Answer to Problem 9STP

Refraction takes place when there is change in the direction due to the change in the medium of the propagating wave.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The refraction of light is the phenomenon where light bends from its original path due to change in the medium in which it is travelling. The change in the medium brings about the change in the speed of the light travelling through two or more than two different mediums. When the speed of the light changes it also alters the direction of the wave with it.

The example of refraction is the formation of rainbow. The formation of rainbow is due the refraction of the light rays from the sun when it enters the atmosphere of the earth with different gases providing different mediums for light to travel.

Refraction is defined as the change in direction of waves that occurs when wave travels through different mediums. The difference in the refractive index of the medium changes the speed and the direction of the wave travelling in those medium.

Conclusion:

When light travels from one medium to another medium, the speed and the direction of the light changes according to the medium and their refractive index. This bending of light is called refraction of light.