The speed of a light wave is dependent upon the properties of the medium. Light travels fastest through a vacuum; slowest through solids. In the case of electromagnetic waves, the speed of the wave depends upon the optical density of that material. The optical density of a medium is not the same as its physical density or the mass/volume ratio. The optical density of a material relates to the sluggish tendency of the atoms of a material to maintain the absorbed energy of an electromagnetic wave in the form of vibrating electrons before reemitting it as a new electromagnetic disturbance. The more optically dense that a material is, the slower that a wave will move through the material.

A beam of visible light is passed through a plexiglass container filled with water. If a beam of light comes in at a slight angle, describe the change in the path of the beam of light as it passes through the container, moving in from one side and then out the other.

Question

Benjamin Gould

6 February, 12:50

+2

Answers (2)

Know the Answer?

Anaya Hamilton · Answer 1

I think the beam of light would bend three times coming in then through and then out

Christopher Ford · Answer 2

The answer is A. the beam of light will bend twice entering leaving the container.