What is the process of refraction?

Refraction is defined as the bending of light as it transitions from one medium to another, which occurs due to a change in the speed of light. When light travels through different materials, such as air to water or glass, its speed varies. This variation leads to a change in direction, or bending, of the light rays at the interface between the two media.

The principle behind this phenomenon can be explained by Snell's Law, which quantifies the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction while also accounting for the indices of refraction of the two media involved. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the fundamental nature of refraction as a consequence of light's speed alteration rather than merely its interaction with a surface or medium absorption. This understanding is critical in various applications, including optics, glasses, microscopes, and cameras, where lens design relies heavily on the principles of refraction.