The refraction and reflection of light are not directly caused by the effect of force from an electromagnetic field. Instead, they are primarily attributed to the interaction of light with the boundaries between different media, such as air, water, glass, or other materials. This interaction is governed by the principles of optics and the behavior of light as an electromagnetic wave.
Refraction occurs when light passes from one medium to another with a different optical density. The change in optical density causes the speed of light to change, resulting in a bending of the light ray. This bending is described by Snell's law, which relates the angle of incidence and angle of refraction to the refractive indices of the media involved.
Reflection, on the other hand, occurs when light encounters a boundary between two media and part or all of the light is redirected back into the original medium. This phenomenon follows the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. The reflection of light can occur at different types of surfaces, including smooth surfaces like mirrors or rough surfaces like paper.
While electromagnetic fields can influence the behavior of light, the effects of refraction and reflection are primarily due to the properties of the media and the interaction of light with those media at their boundaries. The electromagnetic field plays a role in determining the refractive index of a material, but the direct force exerted by the field is not the primary cause of refraction or reflection.