In the above diagram light is travelling through different media. It is noted by a scientist that ∠1 = ∠3 = ∠4 but ∠2 < ∠1. Which of the following statement would be correct?
(A) Medium 1 is the denser than medium 3 but it’s density is equal to medium 2.
(B) Medium 2 is the rarest medium.
(C) Medium 3 is denser than medium 1.
(D) Medium 1 and 3 are essentially the same medium, but medium 2 is denser than 1 and 3.
Answer -
Now,
- A ray of light travelling from a rarer medium to a denser medium slows down and bends towards the normal.
-
When it travels from a
denser
medium to a
rarer
medium, it
speeds up
and
bends away
from the normal.
In our case,
- Since Light bends towards the normal from Medium 1 to 2. Thus, Medium 2 is denser than Medium 1
- Then, light bends away from the normal from Medium 2 to 3. Thus, Medium 2 is denser than Medium 3
- Finally, from Medium 3 to 1, the incident ray does not bend at all . Thus, Medium 1 and 3 are the same medium
So, the correct
answer is (d)