3.2.3

Refraction

Test yourself

Refraction of Light

Light is refracted when it travels from one medium to another and changes speed.

Illustrative background for Optically dense materialsIllustrative background for Optically dense materials ?? "content

Optically dense materials

  • If light slows down as it enters a new medium, this medium is “more optically dense”.
  • When light enters a more optically dense medium, it is refracted closer to the normal.
  • This means that the angle of refraction is smaller than the angle of incidence.
Illustrative background for Less optically dense materialsIllustrative background for Less optically dense materials ?? "content

Less optically dense materials

  • If light speeds up on entering a new medium, this medium is “less optically dense”.
  • The light is refracted further from the normal - the angle of refraction is larger than the angle of incidence.

Jump to other topics

1Motion, Forces & Energy

1.1Physical Quantities & Measurement Techniques

1.2Motion

1.3Mass & Weight

1.4Density

1.5Forces: Effects of Forces

1.6Forces: Turning Effects of Forces

1.7Forces: Centre of Gravity

1.8Momentum

1.9Energy, Work, & Power: Energy

1.10Energy, Work & Power: Work

1.11Energy, Work & Power: Energy Resources

1.12Energy, Work & Power: Power

1.13Pressure

2Thermal Physics

3Waves

4Electricity & Magnetism

4.1Simple Phenomena of Magnetism

4.2Electrical Quantities: Electric Charge

4.3Electrical Quantities: Electric Current

4.4Electromotive Force & Potential Difference

4.5Electrical Quantities: Resistance

4.6Electrical Energy & Electrical Power

4.7Electric Circuits: Circuit Diagrams & Components

4.8Electric Circuits: Series & Parallel Circuits

4.9Electric Circuits: Action & Use

4.10Electrical Safety

4.11Electromagnetic Effects: Electromagnetic Induction

4.12Electromagnetic Effects: The A.C. Generator

4.13Magnetic Effect of a Current

4.14Force on a Current-Carrying Conductor

4.15Electromagnetic Effects: The D.C. Motor

4.16Electromagnetic Effects: The Transformer

5Nuclear Physics

6Space Physics

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