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In geometric optics, light is modeled as traveling in straight lines called rays

ID: 2032162 • Letter: I

Question

In geometric optics, light is modeled as traveling in straight lines called rays that can be either transmitted or reflected. This is truly an approximation. When is this description valid??

(the answer I chose is incorrect)

In geometric optics, light is modeled as traveling in straight lines called rays that can be either transmitted or reflected. This is truly an approximation. When is this description valid? O O O O O When light is observed very near the source that generated it. When light interacts with objects of sizes larger than a micron. When light is strictly in the visible range between red and violet. When most of the light is reflected and almost none is transmitted. When most of the light is transmitted and almost none is reflected.

Explanation / Answer

This description is valid when light interacts with objects of sizes larger than a micron. For particles such smaller than this, scattering of light can take place which deviate the light from straight trajectory. This can lead to deviation of reflected radiation from the angle predicted by the law of reflection.