What ensures that light rays appear to travel in straight lines despite their wave nature?
**Intensity not depend on speed** when enters denser medium because intensity I ∝ n E₀²? Actually Poynting vector S = E×H, energy density u =½ ε E², for same amplitude E₀ intensity proportional to n, but amplitude changes at interface due to reflection, total energy conserved incident = reflected + transmitted, interference does not destroy energy, it redistributes. The extremely small wavelength of light compared to everyday objects minimizes wave effects, making rectilinear propagation dominant in macroscopic observations. Using Δ = d sinθ, y = n λ D/d, a sinθ = n λ, I = I₀ cos²θ, n = c/v, s
Ref: NCERT > Physics Book > Wave Optics > Wave Properties, Frequency and Energy Conservation