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I know that refraction is caused due to change in speed of light but why does it bends? I also know that during refraction frequency is constant and wavelength is decreased since speed slows down. But please tell me why it bends ,it should have slowed down and passed straight?

jinawee
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Anirban Dey
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Imagine a row of soldiers trying to march while locking arms. They walk on a road, and approach a sandy desert. As the first soldiers hit the sand, their foot steps get smaller - but they continue marching "in step" with the others. The line will start to "break" without them realizing it. Once they are all on the sand they have changed direction.

Usually this is shown using the Huygens construction. See for example this image source:

enter image description here

Floris
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