The image shows a straw in a glass of water.
Which wave interaction BEST explains the distorted appearance of the straw in the image?
a
refraction
b
interference
c
diffraction
d
reflection
a) Refraction
The correct answer is a) refraction.
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index. In this case, when light passes from the air into the water, it undergoes refraction due to the different refractive indices of air and water. This bending of light causes the straw to appear distorted or bent in the image.