Refraction depends on both ______ and different media _____.

Refraction depends on both ______ and different media _____.

• A. Oblique incidence; Propagation speeds
• B. Normal incidence; Density
• C. Frequency; Impedance
• D. Wavelength; Speed

Answer: (A)

Refraction occurs when a wave crosses into a different medium at an angle and experiences a change in propagation speed. If the incidence is oblique, the speed difference between the two media causes the wave to bend at the boundary. The amount of bending is governed by how the speeds differ in the two media (or, equivalently, by the refractive indices). When the incidence is normal, there is no bending, so oblique incidence is essential for refraction. Frequency stays the same across the boundary, and although wavelength changes with speed, it is the speed ratio that determines the refracted angle.

Refraction occurs when a wave crosses into a different medium at an angle and experiences a change in propagation speed. If the incidence is oblique, the speed difference between the two media causes the wave to bend at the boundary. The amount of bending is governed by how the speeds differ in the two media (or, equivalently, by the refractive indices). When the incidence is normal, there is no bending, so oblique incidence is essential for refraction. Frequency stays the same across the boundary, and although wavelength changes with speed, it is the speed ratio that determines the refracted angle.