The table displays the velocity of light in three different states of matter. Material/Speed(m/s) When would the speed of light decrease? (When light moves from air into water; When light transitions from glass to air; When light moves from glass to water; When light transitions from water to air)

Answer 1

The speed of light decreases when it moves from a less dense medium to a more dense medium. Here’s a brief explanation of the options provided:

1. When light moves from air into water: The speed of light decreases because water is denser than air.

2. When light transitions from glass to air: The speed of light increases because air is less dense than glass.

3. When light moves from glass to water: The speed of light decreases because water is less dense than glass.

4. When light transitions from water to air: The speed of light increases because air is less dense than water.

From these options, the scenarios where the speed of light decreases are:

• When light moves from air into water
• When light moves from glass to water

So the answer to your question is: When light moves from air into water and when light moves from glass to water.