#refraction #ngscience.com #lightwaves
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Observe the effect of light refraction on an arrow as the light waves travel from air to water.
Related interactive content can be accessed on ngscience.com.
When waves pass through one medium into another medium of different density, the speed of the waves changes. The change in speed causes the waves to change direction. This change in speed and direction is
called refraction.
The amount of light that is refracted depends on the difference in density between the two mediums. The greater the difference in densities between two mediums, the more light bends as it passes through them. Look at the pencil in the glass of water below.
The change in density as light moves from the air to the water bends the light waves and causes the pencil to appear broken.
Spectacles, binoculars and telescopes refract light through their arrangement of lenses. As light passes from air through the glass of the lenses, it slows down and bends. As it leaves the lens and enters the air again, it speeds up.
Light can be refracted to bring the light rays closer together and make objects appear closer. It can also be refracted to spread out the rays and cause objects to appear further away.
