The ray of light from the fly to the fish is shown on the diagram - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Question 6
The ray of light from the fly to the fish is shown on the diagram.
The fish can see the fly.
(i) Name the effect that produces the change in direction of the light ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The ray of light from the fly to the fish is shown on the diagram - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 6 - 2017 - Paper 1
Step 1
Name the effect that produces the change in direction of the light at the surface of the water.
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Answer
The effect that produces the change in direction of the light at the surface of the water is called refraction.
Step 2
Explain why this change in direction occurs when light passes from air into water.
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Answer
This change in direction occurs because light travels at different speeds in different media. When light passes from air (a less dense medium) into water (a more dense medium), it slows down. According to Snell's Law, the light bends towards the normal line at the boundary, causing the change in direction as it enters the water.