GCSE Physics

Refraction of light

When light (or other electromagnetic waves) pass into denser mediums the waves find it harder to move and they slow down.

This results in a change of direction unless the waves hit the surface along a Normal (i.e. at 90° to the surface):

refraction of a ray of light from air to glass

Angle i is the angle of incidence (just like in reflection). Angle r is the angle of refraction.


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