Sound and light waves bend because they travel at different speeds in different media.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The bending of light and sound waves is called refraction. When a light wave or a sound wave leaves a medium of one density-such as air-and enters a medium of a different density-such as water-at an angle other than 90°, it is bent from its original path. Information can be found in the section Refraction Can Bend the Paths of Light and Sound through Water.

Sound and Light Waves Bend Because They Travel at Different