Question

a ray of sunlight enters a glass of water and bends, causing the straight straw in the glass to look like it is bent as well. What process is occurring in this scenario?

Answer 1

The phenomenon you are observing is known as **refraction**. Refraction occurs when light travels from one medium to another— in this case, from air into water. As the light enters the water, it slows down and bends due to the change in density between the two media. This bending of light causes the straight straw, which is partially submerged in the water, to appear distorted or bent when viewed from above the surface. The change in the angle of the light rays due to refraction makes the straw look misaligned relative to its actual position.