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It doesn't - light travels straight (well it is slightly effected by gravity and will bend slightly which is only apparent over GREAT distances - this allows cosmologist to figure cool things out about the universe). However, in general, light doesn't bend, it goes really fast in a very very straight line. A beam of light is made up of photons, the individual 'particles' of light. Nothing in space goes as fast and they are very very small so unless they hit something (Newtonian physics, bodies in motion, etc.) they don't change directions. i.e. Bend corners.

BUT - light does get effected by physics and 'bounces' off things even very small things like particles in the atmosphere. Diffusion. Since a single source of light puts about gazillions of photons as these photons hit things (including the air we breath) they bounce off and change direction causing the light to spread out and diffuse.

Depending on the wavelength, spectrum, and ? some light will diffuse more than other (light bulb versus laser). Here is a neat example, a remote for your TV uses infra-red light (not a lot of diffusion). Under the right circumstance bouncing the remote off a wall can be more effective than pointing it straight at the set. Depending on the angle, dust collection, recess, etc of the receiving and sending diodes you have on the remote and TV may cause the signal to require a 'good shot'. You point it straight at the set you get little spread (diffusion) and the signal is not communicated - try making a bounce shot off a wall - the signal get more diffused (light bouncing and spreading in more directions) and possibly more likely to hit the receiver in such a direction that the signal is properly communicated (i.e. the channel changes). Don't misunderstand, it is also likely your battery is going dead - it's just an example.

In case you were wondering about fiber optics:

Fiber optics - fiber cables (cables that carry light signals) typically come in Laser or Infra-red (and either single-mode or multi-mode). Fiber designed for long runs using single-mode laser can send 'flashes of light' several miles. Shorter run uses infra-red ('bounces' more) multi mode and only works over 1000-2000 ft. In either scenario the light does not go around corners when you bend the cable - the fiber optics are wrapped in a reflective coating causing the light to efficiently bounce along the path and not escape.

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What varieties of light would diffract the most around the corner of a solid barrier?

Light with longer wavelengths, such as red or infrared light, diffracts more around the corner of a solid barrier due to their larger wavelengths enabling them to bend more around obstacles. Shorter wavelength light, such as blue or ultraviolet light, diffracts less in comparison.


What is it called when sound can bend around the corner of a building?

When sound waves bend around the corner of a building, it is known as sound diffraction. Sound diffraction occurs when the waves encounter an obstacle or opening that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the sound.


What is the only material that will not bend light?

Actually, that is a great question. I was just doing my homework when that question popped up. In fact, light does not bend. Have you ever seen light travel around a corner? Or under a table? Or through a closed door? Sound, on the other hand, is not like light. Notice that when you pass a corner, go under a table, or close a door, you can still hear whatever noise is happening in your area.


Why light bend at corner?

Light bends at corners due to the phenomenon of refraction, where the speed of light changes as it moves from one medium to another with a different optical density. This change in speed causes the light ray to change direction, making it appear as though the light is "bending" at the corner.


Does light only travel in a straight line or can it bend?

Light can bend when it passes through different mediums with varying densities, a phenomenon known as refraction. This is why light appears to bend when passing through water or glass. Additionally, light can also bend around obstacles through a process called diffraction, where it spreads out and creates interference patterns.

Related Questions

What varieties of light would diffract the most around the corner of a solid barrier?

Light with longer wavelengths, such as red or infrared light, diffracts more around the corner of a solid barrier due to their larger wavelengths enabling them to bend more around obstacles. Shorter wavelength light, such as blue or ultraviolet light, diffracts less in comparison.


When a beam of light is falling on prism surface and bend then which force is apply on its corner?

The trick behind this is that light is photons, which are massless.


What means to drive around the bend?

it means that you just turn the corner and there you are at your destination


How do you mesure gravity?

in g'ssame as going around a corner (o'r bend in america!)


What is it called when sound can bend around the corner of a building?

When sound waves bend around the corner of a building, it is known as sound diffraction. Sound diffraction occurs when the waves encounter an obstacle or opening that is comparable in size to the wavelength of the sound.


What is the only material that will not bend light?

Actually, that is a great question. I was just doing my homework when that question popped up. In fact, light does not bend. Have you ever seen light travel around a corner? Or under a table? Or through a closed door? Sound, on the other hand, is not like light. Notice that when you pass a corner, go under a table, or close a door, you can still hear whatever noise is happening in your area.


Why light bend at corner?

Light bends at corners due to the phenomenon of refraction, where the speed of light changes as it moves from one medium to another with a different optical density. This change in speed causes the light ray to change direction, making it appear as though the light is "bending" at the corner.


Can a line segment have a corner or bend in it?

It CAN NOT


A line segment can not have a corner or bend in it?

True


Can A line segment can not have a corner or bend in it?

yes.


What is 6 letter word for sharp bend?

DOGLEG Hairpin bend.


Does light only travel in a straight line or can it bend?

Light can bend when it passes through different mediums with varying densities, a phenomenon known as refraction. This is why light appears to bend when passing through water or glass. Additionally, light can also bend around obstacles through a process called diffraction, where it spreads out and creates interference patterns.