Why does refraction occur?

Question

Why does light bend when it changes its velocity?

Answer 1

Light being electromagnetic wave gets scattered by each of the atoms of the medium. This takes the shape of change of direction at the interface between two homogeneous media. One mechanical device can illustrate what happens? Take an axle or a rod attached with two wheels at two ends. Roll it obliquely towards the interface between two surfaces one smooth and another rough. Take a card board and attach a Sand paper in half of its space to get such a surface. See how the wheel turns when it crosses the boundary. Also note that if it crosses boundary normally no change in direction takes place.

Answer 2

Bending Light
If you have ever half submerged a straight stick into water, you have probably noticed that the stick appears bent at the point it enters the water. This optical effect is due to refraction. As light passes from one transparent medium to another, it changes speed, and bends. How much this happens depends on the refractive index of the mediums and the angle between the light ray and the line perpendicular (normal) to the surface separating the two mediums (medium/medium interface). Each medium has a different refractive index. The angle between the light ray and the normal as it leaves a medium is called the angle of incidence. The angle between the light ray and the normal as it enters a medium is called the angle of refraction.

Answer 3

it occurs due to the difference in the velocities of light between the two mediums

Answer 4

it is because of difference in the velocities of light . now it is natural that lighjt bend s due to differences. but still we have not yet recieved any particular reasoning for it.

Answer 5

because waves change direction when their speed changes

Answer 6

Also did you know that the "black" of space is actually energy?