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When a beam of light traveling in a rare medium is reflected from a denser medium it:

Correct answer: B. Undergoes a phase change of 180°.

  • A. Suffers no phase change.
  • B. Undergoes a phase change of 180°.
  • C. Undergoes a phase change of 270°.
  • D. Undergoes a phase change of 90°.

Explanation

When light traveling in a rare (less dense) medium is reflected from a denser medium, the reflected light undergoes a phase change of 180 degrees. This is due to the change in the refractive index between the two media.

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About Optics

Light is studied through reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarization, linking ray behavior with its wave nature. Questions may involve mirrors, lenses, optical instruments, refractive index and image formation, while geometrical optics deals with rays and wave optics explains effects such as interference and diffraction.

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