How Light Refracts
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Objective
I can explain how light refracts when it passes from one medium to another.
Part 1 of 3
Key concepts
3 concepts
- 1
When light travels from one transparent medium to another and changes direction, this phenomenon is known as refraction, which occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials.
- 2
The bending of light happens because as one part of the wavefront enters a new medium, it pivots due to a change in speed, and the degree of bending depends on the angle and the refractive indices of the media.
- 3
If light enters a denser medium, it bends towards the normal, but if it passes from a denser to a less dense medium, it bends away from the normal.
Part 2 of 3
Practice
7 questions
Define refraction in your own words.
What is the fundamental reason why light refracts when it moves between different transparent materials?
Part 3 of 3
Exit ticket
Quick comprehension check
“Explain how light refracts when it travels from air into glass, including the reason for the change in direction and how its path changes relative to the normal.”
Sample answer included in the free materials
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Teacher Guide
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