Question

a ray diagram is shown. which best explains why the diagram shows refraction but not reflection? it shows an incident ray. it shows that the ray is changing direction. it shows the ray passing through the boundary. it shows that angles form between the rays and the normal.

Explanation:

• For reflection: The light ray bounces back into the original medium. So, there is no passing - through of the boundary.
• For refraction: The light ray passes from one medium to another (through the boundary), and its direction changes (this direction - change is a consequence of passing through the boundary, but the key distinction from reflection is the passing - through).
• An incident ray is present in both reflection and refraction diagrams.
• A ray changing direction can also be due to reflection (where it bounces back, a kind of direction change).
• Angles with the normal are calculated in both reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection) and refraction (using Snell's law: \(n_1\sin\theta_1=n_2\sin\theta_2\)) situations.

Answer:

It shows the ray passing through the boundary.