Question:medium
With the help of a ray diagram, show that a straw appears bent when it is partly dipped in water and explain it.
With the help of a ray diagram, show that a straw appears bent when it is partly dipped in water and explain it.
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The apparent bending of a straw in water is due to the refraction of light at the water-air interface.
Updated On: Jan 13, 2026
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Solution and Explanation
When light transitions between mediums, like water to air, its speed change causes refraction. This bending of light makes an object, such as a straw, appear broken or bent at the water's surface. Light rays from the submerged portion of the straw are refracted at the water-air boundary, displacing the submerged part visually from the rest of the straw.
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