a ray diagram is shown. which statement best describes the diagram? the diagram shows refraction, and medium…

a ray diagram is shown. which statement best describes the diagram? the diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is denser than medium 2. the diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2. the diagram shows reflection, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2. the diagram shows reflection, and medium 1 is denser than medium 2.
Answer
Brief Explanations:
- Recall the difference between reflection and refraction: Reflection is when a ray bounces back at the interface of two - media, while refraction is when a ray changes direction as it passes from one medium to another. The given ray diagram shows a ray changing direction as it moves from medium 1 to medium 2, so it is refraction.
- Recall Snell's law and the behavior of light at the interface of two media: When light travels from a less - dense medium to a denser medium, it bends towards the normal. When it travels from a denser medium to a less - dense medium, it bends away from the normal. In the diagram, the ray bends away from the normal as it moves from medium 1 to medium 2, so medium 1 is denser than medium 2.
Answer:
The diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is denser than medium 2.