How does light behave when passing through glass or water?

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SUMMARY

Light behaves predictably when passing through materials like glass and water, primarily due to the phenomenon of refraction. Refraction occurs because of a change in the velocity of light, which is determined by the material's index of refraction. The index of refraction is influenced by the medium's electrons, where the electric field of the light wave excites these electrons, leading to oscillations that emit overlapping electromagnetic waves. This interaction results in both a change in velocity and absorption, which can be quantified using a complex index of refraction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the concept of refraction
  • Familiarity with the index of refraction
  • Basic knowledge of electromagnetic waves
  • Awareness of how electric fields interact with matter
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical formulation of Snell's Law
  • Explore the concept of complex index of refraction
  • Study the behavior of light in different mediums using ray tracing techniques
  • Investigate the role of electron oscillations in optical properties of materials
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light behavior in various materials.

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When light passes in glass, water etc then velocity is reduced and direction changes HOW?
 
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The change of direction is due to refraction, which is due to the change in the velocity, which is due to the index of refraction.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refraction

The index of refraction is basically due to the electrons of the medium. The electric field of the wave excites oscillations of the electrons, which in turn emit electromagnetic waves that overlap with the incident wave. The net effect is (a) a change in the velocity and (b) absorption. Both together can be described by a complex index of refraction

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refractive_index
 
Thanks
 

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