Question

a person standing by a lake notices that the water looks shallower than it actually is. which statement correctly explains this phenomenon based on wave - matter interaction? the waves are absorbed by the water, causing the lake to appear closer than it actually is. the waves are diffracted in the water, causing the lake to appear distorted when observed. the waves are reflected off the waters surface, causing the lake surface to appear closer. the waves are bent as they pass to the water, causing the lake water to appear shallower.

Explanation:

When light (waves) travels from water (a denser medium) to air (a less - dense medium), it bends (refracts). This refraction makes the bottom of the lake (or the water depth) appear shallower than it actually is. Absorption would reduce the intensity of the waves but not change the perceived depth. Diffraction is the bending of waves around obstacles and not relevant here. Reflection would give an image at the surface, not affect the perceived depth of the water.

Answer:

The waves are bent as they pass to the water, causing the lake water to appear shallower.