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When light enters a different medium, the amount that the light is bent as it enters the medium is determined by the medium's index of refraction.

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10y ago
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11y ago

It refracts, Changes directions

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8y ago

Refraction phenomenon occurs

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Q: When light waves enter a new medium and bend what occurs?
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Does refraction occur for both sound and light waves?

Refraction occurs for any waves, where there's a change in the medium.


Light and sound waves have many similar properties however light waves are what while sound waves are what?

Light waves are eletromagnetic waves and sound waves are mechanical waves. Additionally, a light wave is a transverse wave that does not require a medium through which to travel. Sound waves, on the other hand, are longitudinal waves where the source transfers the mechanical energy of the sound wave into the medium so it can travel.


Light waves differ fundamentally from either water waves or sound waves because?

Sound and water waves are mechanical and therefore need a medium. Light is an electromagnetic wave which travels as a particle-wave, so it does not need a medium to travel through.


Differences between light and sound waves?

The differences between light and sound are as follows:Light can be considered to be made of waves as well as particles. Sound is only a wave. It does not show particle nature.Light waves are electromagnetic waves while sound waves are mechanical waves.Light waves are transverse while sound waves are longitudinal.Light waves can travel in vacuum. Sound waves require a material medium to travel, and hence, cannot travel in vacuum.The speed of light in a medium is constant. The velocity of sound waves can change.In sound waves, the particles of the medium actually oscillate. In a light wave, the electric and magnetic vectors oscillate.Light waves can be polarized, but sound waves cannot.Light waves travel much faster than sound waves. The speed of light is a physical constant. Its value is exactly 299,792,458 metres per second in vacuuum. The speed of sound is 343 metres per second in dry air at 20°C.And finally, a simple one - you can see light while you can hear sound.


Due mechanical waves need a medium to travel through?

Yes, mechanical waves do need a medium in order to travel. Other waves, such as light, do not (thus they can travel through space).

Related questions

What process occurs when all of the energy from light waves is transferred to a medium?

absorption


Does refraction occur for both sound and light waves?

Refraction occurs for any waves, where there's a change in the medium.


Are light waves transverse waves?

Yes, light waves are transverse, because in light wave, disturbance of the medium occurs at right angles to the direction of wave propagation of wave.


What waves occurs when the motion of the medium is parallel to the direction of the waves?

amplitude Longitudinal waves occurs when the motion of the medium. This is parallel to the direction of the wave.


BENDING of light rays when they enter it diffirent medium is known as?

Refraction is the bending of light waves as they pass from one medium to another.


What refers to the bending of light waves when they pass through another substance?

Refraction is the bending of waves as they enter a different medium.


Is medium required to transmit light waves?

No. light waves required no medium for transmission.


Do light waves have a medium?

no they do not have a medium.


Why does there have to be a medium for waves to travel through?

There does not have to be a medium. Light does not require a medium. Mechanical waves require a mediumAnswer 2:Not all waves require a medium for their transmission. Mechanical waves require a medium for their transmission because it is the molecules of the medium which cause the wave to propagate. However, electromagnetic waves do NOT require a medium. (for example light)


How does light waves compare with sound waves?

Light waves are electromagnetic waves that move at the speed of light. Sound waves are compression waves that move through a medium (air, liquids, solids), with varying speeds according to the medium.


Where does refraction occur?

Refraction occurs because waves move at different speeds in different bodies. Because a wave hits the other medium at an angle, part of the wave changes speed earlier than the rest, turning the waves. this is most obvious with light waves in water, but it happens with all types of waves in any change of medium.


Is the color of light determied by the speed of the light waves?

the color of light is determined by the ____ of the light waves A. medium B.speed C.frequency D. amplitude