The wave front shown at the left for light in air reaches the plane surface (shown by a slanted line) that bounds a medium with n = 1.50. Which diagram below correctly shows the wave front while entering the medium at the right?
A)A
B)B
C)C
D)D

Question

The wave front shown at the left for light in air reaches the plane surface (shown by a slanted line) that bounds a medium with n = 1.50.  Which diagram below correctly shows the wave front while entering the medium at the right? 
A)A 
B)B 
C)C 
D)D

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diagram B correctly shows the wave front refracting as it enters the medium with a higher refractive index (n = 1.50). The wave front changes direction and bends toward the normal, which is perpendicular to the surface of the medium.

The Wave Front Shown at the Left for Light in Air