Which property allows light to travel in straight lines?

The correct answer is Rectilinear Propagation.

Key Points

• Rectilinear Propagation refers to the property of light traveling in straight lines in a uniform medium.
• This principle is fundamental in understanding various optical phenomena such as shadows, reflection, and refraction.
• Instruments like pinhole cameras and laser beams demonstrate rectilinear propagation effectively.
• The concept is essential for the accurate design and use of optical instruments like lenses and mirrors.
• Understanding rectilinear propagation helps in predicting how light behaves when encountering obstacles or different mediums.

Additional Information

• Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with different densities, changing its speed.
• Diffusion involves the scattering of light in different directions, typically when it encounters a rough surface.
• Reflection occurs when light bounces off a surface, with the angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection.