Cleo stated that light travels through air in straight paths, and when it moves from air to water, light changes direction, speeds up, and bends toward the normal. Which statement best describes Cleo’s mistake?
Answer
A
Light bends away from the normal when it moves from air into water.
B
Light does not change direction when it moves from air into water.
C
Light slows down when it moves from air into water.
D
Light travels through air and water in angled, scattered paths.
Explanation
When light moves from air into water, it enters a medium in which it travels more slowly. It also bends toward the normal, so that part of Cleo’s statement is correct. Her mistake is saying that light speeds up; the correct choice is “Light slows down when it moves from air into water.”
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