Refraction
Also known as: bending of light
The bending of a wave as it crosses the boundary between two media with different wave speeds. How glasses correct vision, how cameras focus, why prisms make rainbows.
💡 Intuition
A straw looks bent in a glass of water because light bends at the surface.
Core Idea
Waves bend at boundaries because they travel at different speeds in different media.
🔬 Example
🎯 Why It Matters
How glasses correct vision, how cameras focus, why prisms make rainbows.
⚠️ Common Confusion
Light bends toward the normal when entering a slower medium.
Related Concepts
Prerequisites
How Refraction Connects to Other Ideas
To understand refraction, you should first be comfortable with waves and wave speed.
Go Deeper
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refraction in Physics?
The bending of a wave as it crosses the boundary between two media with different wave speeds.
Why is Refraction important?
How glasses correct vision, how cameras focus, why prisms make rainbows.
What do students usually get wrong about Refraction?
Light bends toward the normal when entering a slower medium.
What should I learn before Refraction?
Before studying Refraction, you should understand: waves, wave speed.
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