Question

In refraction, light waves are bent on passing from one medium to the second medium, because, in the second medium.
A. The frequency is different
B. The coefficient of elasticity is different
C. The speed is different
D. The amplitude is smaller

Answer 1

Hint:Refraction is defined as the change in the direction of light waves that passes from one medium into the other medium. A refraction of light is the bending of light waves when it passes from one medium to the other. The bending of light is the cause of the difference of refractive index of the two mediums.

Complete answer:
A refraction of light is the bending of light waves when it passes from one medium to the other. The bending of light is the cause of the difference of densities between the two substances. Also, we know that in case of refraction, when the ray of light passes from one medium to the other medium, it will always bend. Now, if the ray will pass from the rarer medium to the denser medium, it will bend towards the normal. On the other hand, if the ray will pass from the denser medium to the rarer medium it will bend away from the normal.

Now, bending is also caused due to the change in refractive index of the first and second medium. Now, the refractive index of the second medium relative to the first medium is given by
${\mu _2} = \dfrac{{{c_1}}}{{{c_2}}}$
Here, ${c_1}$ is the light in the first medium and ${c_2}$ is the speed of light in the second medium.
$ {c_2} = \dfrac{{{c_1}}}{{{\mu _2}}}$
From the above relation, we can say that the speed of light changes with the change in refractive index of the mediums.Therefore, light waves are bent on passing from one medium to the second medium, because, in the second medium the speed of light is different.

Hence, option C is the correct option.

Note:As we know that refraction is the change in direction of waves, and sound waves and water waves also experience refraction. Optical instruments like Magnifying glasses, lenses and prisms also experience refraction of life. This is the refraction of light that focuses the light on the retina of our eyes.