When light in medium 1 is reflected from the surface of medium 2 with the indices of refraction of the media being n₁ and n₂ respectively, the reflected light has a phase difference of 180° if A)n₁ 3 n₂. B)n₁ = n₂. C)n₁ n₂. E)n₁ 2 n₂.

Question

When light in medium 1 is reflected from the surface of medium 2 with the indices of refraction of the media being n₁ and n₂ respectively, the reflected light has a phase difference of 180° if A)n₁ > 3 n₂. B)n₁ = n₂. C)n₁ < n₂. D)n₁ > n₂. E)n₁ > 2 n₂.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The reflected light undergoes a phase shift of 180° when it reflects off a medium with a higher index of refraction (n₂) than the medium it is coming from (n₁).

When Light in Medium 1 Is Reflected from the Surface