Chapter 29, Problem 17A

To determine

To identify: Whether the light will be refracted from air into water or not.

Answer to Problem 17A

Yes, the light would be refracted in passing from air into water.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: 

The bending of light or change in the direction of light, when light travels from one medium to another is termed as refraction of light.

Explanation: 

Refraction of light depends upon the refractive index of the medium, nature of the medium, optical density, wavelength of light and temperature of the medium. If light had the same speed in water as well as in air, then it will still be refracted because the speed of light is constant. The speed can only be reduced due to the different optical density of the two media. So, the main factor here is the refractive index of the medium, due to which the light will be refracted.

Conclusion: 

Therefore, the light would be refracted.