A ray of red light passes from liquid water (index 1.33) into an unknown clear plastic
PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 2: Algebra-based · Geometric Optics · Geometric Optics
Problem
A ray of red light passes from liquid water (index 1.33) into an unknown clear plastic. The ray is observed to bend toward the normal as it enters the plastic. Which of the following statements is most consistent with this observation?
(a) The plastic's index of refraction equals 1.33 because the amount the ray bends depends only on its wavelength.
(b) No conclusion can be drawn because the angle of incidence is unknown.
(c) The plastic's index of refraction is greater than 1.33 because the light slows down in the plastic.
(d) The plastic's index of refraction is less than 1.33 because the light speeds up in the plastic.