3.2.3

Refraction

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Refraction of Light

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

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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

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

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