Flashcards

Refraction of light: definition, causes and the normal

geekfleek English 7 cards

Cards in this deck (7)

1What is Refraction?Refraction is when waves change direction as they enter a different medium (substance).
2What cause Refraction?Refraction is caused by the waves changing speed, due to a change in density from one medium to the other.
3What is a Medium?A Medium is the material through which a wave travels.
4What happens when light passes into a denser medium?The light slows down and the light rays bend towards the normal. This means that the angle of refraction is smaller than the angle of incidence.
5What happens when light passes into a less dense medium?The light speeds up and the light rays bend away from the normal. This means that the angle of refraction is greater than the angle of incidence.
6Describe what the normal is?The normal is at 90° to the boundary between the two media.
7Name a condition in which refraction will not occur?When the rays of light cross the boundary at 90°. In this case, they carry straight on.