When the speeds of two media are identical, which statement is true about refraction?

Sharpen your skills for the Davies Publishing SPI Test with targeted flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and clarifications. Prepare thoroughly for success!

Multiple Choice

When the speeds of two media are identical, which statement is true about refraction?

Explanation:
When two media have the same wave speed, there’s no change in how the wave travels across the boundary. In Snell’s law, equal speeds mean equal refractive indices, so sin of the incident angle equals sin of the transmitted angle. That makes the two angles equal, and the wave continues straight through without bending. Since the frequency stays the same across the boundary, the wavelength would also be the same on both sides. So there is no refraction, and the path remains at the same angle relative to the boundary.

When two media have the same wave speed, there’s no change in how the wave travels across the boundary. In Snell’s law, equal speeds mean equal refractive indices, so sin of the incident angle equals sin of the transmitted angle. That makes the two angles equal, and the wave continues straight through without bending. Since the frequency stays the same across the boundary, the wavelength would also be the same on both sides. So there is no refraction, and the path remains at the same angle relative to the boundary.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy