TEAS Test 7 science Related

Review TEAS Test 7 science related questions and content

A light ray travels from air (refractive index 1.00) into water (refractive index 1.33). What happens to its speed and direction?

  • A. Speed increases, direction bends towards the normal.
  • B. Speed increases, direction bends away from the normal.
  • C. Speed decreases, direction bends towards the normal.
  • D. Speed and direction remain unchanged.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a light ray travels from air (lower refractive index) to water (higher refractive index), its speed decreases due to the change in the medium. This is because light travels slower in denser mediums. As the light ray enters the denser medium, water in this case, it bends towards the normal (the line perpendicular to the surface of the water). This phenomenon is known as refraction. Choice A is incorrect as the speed of light decreases when entering a denser medium. Choice B is incorrect as the direction bends towards the normal, not away from it. Choice D is incorrect as the speed and direction of the light ray do change when moving from air to water.