There is invariably a phase shift when light reflects from a surface such that the index of refraction in which the wave is propagating is A) 1. B) the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface. C) = the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface. D)

Question

There is invariably a phase shift when light reflects from a surface such that the index of refraction in which the wave is propagating is
A) > 1.
B) > the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface.
C) = the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface.
D) < the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When light reflects off a surface where the index of refraction of the medium it is in is less than the index of the material beyond the reflecting surface, there is a phase shift of 180 degrees. This typically occurs when light reflects off a denser medium, such as going from air (with a lower refractive index) to glass (with a higher refractive index).

There Is Invariably a Phase Shift When Light Reflects from a Surface