Which term best describes bending of light when it passes from one medium to another?

Which term best describes bending of light when it passes from one medium to another?

• A. Light scattering
• B. Reflection
• C. Refraction
• D. Absorption

Answer: (C)

Light changes direction when it crosses from one material to another because its speed changes in different substances. That change in speed makes the path bend, which is called refraction. A common example is a straw in a glass of water appearing to bend at the surface. Light scattering would involve light spreading in many directions due to particles; reflection is light bouncing off a surface; and absorption is light energy being taken in by the material. Refraction is the bending that occurs at the boundary between media.

Light changes direction when it crosses from one material to another because its speed changes in different substances. That change in speed makes the path bend, which is called refraction. A common example is a straw in a glass of water appearing to bend at the surface. Light scattering would involve light spreading in many directions due to particles; reflection is light bouncing off a surface; and absorption is light energy being taken in by the material. Refraction is the bending that occurs at the boundary between media.