Propagating from one medium to another Figure 23.20 shows a light ray incident on a surface between two media. Which path will the ray take if the medium the ray is leaving has a higher index of refraction than the medium the ray is entering? A. Path A B. Path B C. Path C

Question

Propagating from one medium to another

Figure 23.20 shows a light ray incident on a surface between two media. Which path will the ray take if the medium the ray is leaving has a higher index of refraction than the medium the ray is entering?

A. Path A B. Path B C. Path C

Accepted Answer

If the ray follows path B, then it doesn’t refract as it passes from one medium to another. Since the incoming ray comes in at an angle relative to the normal, it can go out along path B only if both media have the same index of refraction. Since the ray is traveling from a medium with a higher index to a medium with a lower index, the ray will bend away from the normal. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

Question 23.CA.4: Propagating from one medium to another Figure 23.20 shows a ...

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