60 likes | 88 Views
Science 8: Unit C – Light and Optical Systems. Topic 3: Refraction. What is Refraction?. Refraction is the bending of light rays as they enter a new medium (material). Why Does it happen?.
E N D
Science 8: Unit C – Light and Optical Systems Topic 3: Refraction
What is Refraction? • Refraction is the bending of light rays as they enter a new medium (material)
Why Does it happen? • When light rays enter a thicker medium from a thinner medium they slow down and bend TOWARDS the normal. (eg. from air to glass) • When light rays enter a thinner medium from a thicker one they speed up and bend AWAY from the normal (eg. from glass back to air.
Law of Refraction • Law of Refraction: as the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction increases, though not necessarily by the same amount. • NOTE: refraction can also occur with the same material at two different temperatures.
How are reflection, refraction, and absorption different? • The angle of incidence does not necessarily equal the angle of refraction. • Reflection has to do with bouncing off a surface while refraction is bending of light rays. • Absorption is the changing of light rays from light energy into another kind of energy (usually thermal energy).