True or False? Three light rays start out from a candle flame at the same time.

Question

True or False?

Three light rays start out from a candle flame at the same time. Tothe right of the candle
there is a lens, and to the right of the lens there is a screen.Ray A goes through the edge
of the lens. Ray B goes through the center of the lens. Ray C goesthrough an
intermediate part of the lens. All three rays are focused on thescreen. Ray B arrives at
the screen first because it travels the shortest path. (Hint: drawthe candle, lens, and
screen as well as the three rays.)

If this statement is true, prove it. If thestatement is false, show why it is false.

Explanation / Answer

   All the rays will reach the screen at sametime. Their path lengths vary and so does the medium, Ray B travelslongest part in lens ( glass ) for which velocity is less. Theoverall effect is to neutralize the shorter path. This is inaccordance with Fermat's principle.

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