Chapter 29, Problem 16A

To determine

To Explain: Whether the refraction occurs for both sound waves and light waves. 

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: 

Refraction is the phenomenon of change in the direction of a wave when it travels from one medium to another medium. When the wave encounters different mediums, it changes its speed.

Explanation: 

Refraction is the bending of waves. The light slows down when it travels from the air and goes into water. This causes the light to continue travel in a different direction. So, the refraction occurs for light waves.

Similarly, refraction occurs for sound waves because the sound wave will bend and travel from one medium to another with a change in speed due to the refraction. 

Conclusion: 

The wave bends and continues to travel from one medium to another medium. Therefore, refraction occurs in both sound and light waves.