I keep getting “Refraction & refractive index” questions wrong in Ray Optics & Optical Instruments. What's the trap?
thinking light bends because it slows and 'wants' to take the short path only in glass.
The usual trap: thinking light bends because it slows and 'wants' to take the short path only in glass. How to avoid it: denser medium → slower light → bends toward the normal. Go back to the definition — light bends when it changes medium because its speed changes; n = c/v, and it bends toward the normal entering a denser medium.
Key point
Refraction & refractive index
Common mistake
thinking light bends because it slows and 'wants' to take the short path only in glass.
Memory tip
denser medium → slower light → bends toward the normal.
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