when immersed in a beaker of water a straight glass rod seems to undergo bending as depicted in the diagram. what provides the most accurate explanation for this phenomenon?
a. as light crosses the boundary between air and water it undergoes refraction
b. at the interface between air and water light undergoes reflection
c. the temperature of the water in the beaker is higher than that of the surrounding air
d. in water light moves at a higher speed compared to its velocity in air
a. as light crosses the boundary between air and water it undergoes refraction
Explanation: When light travels from air into water, it changes speed and direction due to the change in optical density between the two mediums. This phenomenon is known as refraction, and it can cause objects viewed through the interface to appear bent or distorted. This is the most accurate explanation for why the straight glass rod appears to bend when immersed in water.