What phenomenon describes the bending of light?

The phenomenon that describes the bending of light is known as refraction. This occurs when light passes from one medium to another with a different density, causing it to change speed and direction. For instance, when light travels from air into water, it slows down and bends. This bending effect is fundamental in optics and is utilized in various applications, including the design of lenses for glasses and cameras.

In contrast, reflection involves light bouncing off a surface, diffraction refers to the spreading of light waves as they encounter obstacles or openings, and dispersion is the separation of light into its constituent colors due to varying degrees of refraction for different wavelengths. Understanding these distinct concepts is essential for grasping the behaviors of light in various contexts.