When a beam of light, which is traveling in glass, strikes an air boundary, there is
A) a 90° phase change in the reflected beam.
B) no phase change in the reflected beam.
C) a 180° phase change in the reflected beam.
D) a 60° phase change in the reflected beam.
E) a 45° phase change in the reflected beam.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When light travels from a denser medium (glass) to a less dense medium (air), there is no phase change in the reflected beam. Phase changes occur when light reflects off a medium with a higher refractive index.

When a Beam of Light, Which Is Traveling in Glass