Understanding Light Refraction Through Different Mediums

Click For Summary
The discussion focuses on the behavior of light as it travels through different mediums, specifically regarding reflection and refraction. It clarifies that when light hits an interface between two mediums, some of it reflects while some refracts, and this process does not inherently involve a time delay. The perceived delay in the refracted wave is attributed to the slower speed of light in the second medium, not to a lag in the wave's initiation. The conversation also touches on the refractive index, explaining that it is determined by the material's properties and remains consistent regardless of the size of the glass piece. Overall, the key takeaway is that while light behaves differently in various mediums, the fundamental principles of reflection and refraction remain consistent.
  • #31
Where?
 
Science news on Phys.org
  • #32
Physicsissuef said:
Where?
post #28
 
  • #33
Aren't there oscillations in the inside of the http://www.walter-fendt.de/ph14e/huygenspr.htm" Do you know somebody what actually happens? Why there is time delay, isn't any oscillations inside of the material??
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #34
And when the electrons release energy, do they release that energy in whole directions?
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Energy Redistribution in Lorentz Oscillator Model with Pure Radiation Damping
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Normal incidence of light on a denser medium
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
11K
Undergrad Light Refraction, Biconvex Lens, Diagram Help
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Undergrad Optical Effect: curved light source when seen through the bus window
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
180 degree phase shift of reflected light
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Undergrad Why do we use low-coherence light in Optical Coherence Tomography?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Graduate Reflectivity with gradient in refractive index
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Why Does the Index of Refraction Vary by Light Color in Different Mediums?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Lensmaker's equation when the 2 mediums on both sides of the lens are different
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
Strategy for interference problems
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K