A light is traveling straight up out of the ocean, then moves out of the air. how do you expect the movement of the light wave to change?

Question

Isaac Buchanan

Physics

16 February, 10:14

A light is traveling straight up out of the ocean, then moves out of the air. how do you expect the movement of the light wave to change?

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Answers (2)

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Walter Strong · Answer 1

The light would come out of the ocean at an angle with respect to the perpendicular of the surface of the water. Since air has a different density than the water, the index of refraction also differs thus 'bending' the light as it switches between the media.

French Fry · Answer 2

I expect it to move faster in the air than it was moving in the water,

which means its wavelength will be shorter in air than it was in water.

Since it's coming straight up out of the water and not slanted,

I don't expect its direction to change ... it'll continue to travel

straight up when it hits the air.