Question

An X-ray (part of the electromagnetic spectrum) traveling through a vacuum has a frequency of 1.0 x 10¹⁸ Hz. The X-ray passes into a new material where the index of refraction is doubled. The X-ray is incident at the barrier for this new region with an angle of 45 degrees. What will happen to the X-ray as it enters the new region?

		It will bend towards the normal with the surface.
		It will bend away from the normal with the surface.
		It will pass through undeflected.
		It will undergo total internal reflection.
		It will change frequencies.

Answer 1

As the refractive index of the new material is double than the refractive index of vacuum, it means the new material is denser than vacuum.

Now, when the light travels from rarer medium to denser medium, it means the the refracted light in the denser medium bends towards the normal.

We can also say, the angle made by the light with normal in denser medium is less than the angle made by light with normal in rarer medium. This can be determined using Snell's Law.

Therefore, correct option is 1st option. [answer]