Refraction

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium to another. It occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials. When light enters a new medium, its speed changes, causing it to bend.

Causes of Refraction

Refraction occurs due to the change in speed of light when it passes from one medium to another. The speed of light is different in different materials, which causes the bending of light rays.

Examples of Refraction

Common examples of refraction include the bending of a pencil in a glass of water, the apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water, and the formation of a rainbow when light passes through water droplets in the atmosphere.

Factors Affecting Refraction

Several factors can affect the degree of refraction, including the angle at which the light enters the new medium, the difference in the refractive indices of the two media, and the wavelength of the light.

Applications of Refraction

Refraction has numerous practical applications, such as in the design of lenses for eyeglasses and cameras, the formation of images by the human eye, and the phenomenon of mirages in the desert.

Study Guide

1. What is refraction and how does it occur?
2. What are the causes of refraction?
3. Give examples of refraction in everyday life.
4. What factors can affect the degree of refraction?
5. How is refraction used in practical applications?

Understanding the concept of refraction and its applications is essential for various fields, including physics, optics, and engineering.