What is the definition of refraction?

What is the definition of refraction?

• A. The increase in light speed as it enters a new medium
• B. The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed
• C. The reflection of light off a surface
• D. The scattering of light in different directions

Answer: (B)

Refraction is defined as the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed. This phenomenon occurs when light travels through materials with different optical densities. For example, when light moves from air into water, it slows down and changes direction at the boundary between these two mediums. This change in speed is governed by the refractive index of the materials involved, which quantifies how much the light will bend. Understanding refraction is crucial in various applications, such as lens design in glasses, cameras, and other optical devices, where controlling the path of light is essential for achieving desired optical effects. The bending of light due to refraction can also lead to interesting visual effects, such as the apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water, highlighting the practical implications of this fundamental optical principle.

Refraction is defined as the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in its speed. This phenomenon occurs when light travels through materials with different optical densities. For example, when light moves from air into water, it slows down and changes direction at the boundary between these two mediums. This change in speed is governed by the refractive index of the materials involved, which quantifies how much the light will bend.

Understanding refraction is crucial in various applications, such as lens design in glasses, cameras, and other optical devices, where controlling the path of light is essential for achieving desired optical effects. The bending of light due to refraction can also lead to interesting visual effects, such as the apparent bending of a straw in a glass of water, highlighting the practical implications of this fundamental optical principle.