What property allows light to bend as it passes through different materials?

• A. Reflection
• B. Refraction
• C. Diffraction
• D. Dispersion

Answer: (B)

The ability of light to bend as it passes through different materials is known as refraction. This phenomenon occurs because light travels at different speeds in different media. When light enters a new medium at an angle, its speed changes, which causes the light beam to change direction. This bending is determined by the refractive indices of the two materials involved, illustrating how light can be manipulated by varying the medium through which it travels.

Refraction occurs in numerous everyday situations, such as when a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water or when we see a rainbow. Understanding refraction is fundamental in optics and is utilized in the design of lenses and other optical devices.