Chapter 13, Problem 7RQ

Solution

To determine: The cause of slowing down of light when it passes from air to glass or water.

Answer:

The light ray travel from air to water or glass slows down because of the change of medium from rare to denser.

Explanation:

The movement of a light ray from a less dense medium such as air to denser medium like water or glass, it slows down and bends towards the normal. This phenomenon of bending of light is known as refraction of light.

The density of glass and water are greater than air, so they are known as denser medium. When light comes from lighter medium like air to denser medium like glass or water, it slows down. This slows down because the refracted ray of light to bend closes to the normal and changes its direction.

Conclusion:

herefore, the light ray travel from air to water or glass slows down because of the change of medium from rare to denser.