Question

Light changes its path as the medium changes during transit. Why?

Answer 1

Hint: Light is electromagnetic radiation that the human eye can detect. Electromagnetic radiation has a wide range of wavelengths, ranging from gamma rays with wavelengths less than $ 1 \times {10^{ - 11}} $ meters to radio waves with wavelengths measured in meters. Here, we are going to learn about why the light changes its path as the medium changes during transit.

Complete answer:
Because the speed of light is dependent on the medium through which it passes, it varies its course as the medium changes during the passage. The light finds a path that takes the least amount of time when the medium changes. As a result, the direction shifts. The refraction of light is the name given to this entire process.
One of the most well-known occurrences is light refraction, although other waves, such as sound and water waves, can also refract. Because of refraction, we can use optical equipment such as magnifying glasses, lenses, and prisms. Refraction of light can also cause light to focus on our retina.

Additional Information:
Refraction's Causes:
A change in speed causes a shift in the direction of travel.
When a light ray travels at an angle into a medium with a differing refractive index, it refracts. This shift in speed causes a shift in direction. Consider the flow of air into water as an example. As the light continues to travel at a different angle, its speed drops.

The image above depicts light refraction in the glass. When light passes through glass, it slows down and shifts its course slightly. The refracted light bends more towards the normal line as it goes from a less dense solid to a denser substance. The light beam does not refract as it approaches the barrier in a direction that is perpendicular to it, despite the change in speed.

Note:
Light Refraction in a daily situation:
-The optical illusions of mirage and looming are caused by light refraction.
-Because light from the bottom of the pool bends at the surface owing to refraction, a swimming pool appears to be shallower than it actually is.
-The sun rays bend through the raindrops to form a rainbow, which is an example of refraction.
-The refraction of light splits white light into its component colors of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet when it travels through a prism.