Aray diagram is shownwhich statement best describes the diagram? the diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is denser than medium 2. the diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2. the diagram shows reflection, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2. the diagram shows reflection, and medium 1 is denser than medium 2.

The diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2.

Explanation:

- Reflection occurs when a light ray hits a surface and bounces back into the same medium

- Refraction occurs when a light ray crosses the interface between two different mediums, changing direction

From the diagram, we clearly see that this is a case of refraction, since the light ray crosses the boundary between two mediums.

The direction of a light ray in refraction is given by Snell's Law:

(1)

where

n1 and n2 are the index of refraction of the two mediums: a higher index of refraction means a higher density for the medium

are the angles of the light ray in medium 1 and medium 2, measured with respect to the normal to the interface

We can rewrite eq. (1) as

From the diagram, we see that

so

and so

which means

so, medium 2 is denser than medium 1, and the correct answer is

The diagram shows refraction, and medium 1 is less dense than medium 2.