Moderate

When a ray of light passes from rarer to denser medium, is suffers a phase change of

Correct answer: B. 180°

  • A. 90°
  • B. 180°
  • C. 60°
  • D. 45°

Explanation

When a ray of light travels from a rarer medium (such as air) to a denser medium (such as glass), and it reflects off the surface of the denser medium, it experiences a phase change of 180°. This is because the denser medium acts as a fixed end, causing the wave to invert upon reflection. The other options, 90°, 60°, and 45°, do not correspond to standard phase changes associated with the reflection from a boundary between media of differing refractive indices.

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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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