Light refraction
Light refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one material to another, like air to water. When light travels through different substances, it changes speed, causing it to shift direction. This phenomenon explains why a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water or why we see rainbows. Refraction is essential in optics, affecting lenses in glasses, cameras, and microscopes, allowing us to focus light and enhance our vision or capture images clearly. The degree of bending depends on the materials involved and the angle at which the light enters.
Additional Insights
-
Light refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass from one medium to another, like air to water. This occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials. When light enters a denser medium, such as water, it slows down and bends towards the normal (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface). Conversely, when it exits into a less dense medium, it speeds up and bends away from the normal. This phenomenon explains why objects under water appear distorted or why a straw looks bent when placed in a glass of water.