Albert Teen
powered by
Albert logo

YOU ARE LEARNING:

pointer
Ray Diagrams of Refraction
lessonMenuButton

Ray Diagrams of Refraction

lesson introduction

Ray Diagrams of Refraction

Drawing ray diagrams for refraction allow us to see clearly the angles of incidence and refraction. We can also locate where virtual images are formed.

What is light refraction?

hint button

What features of a wave are affected by refraction?

hint button

You can select multiple answers

This lesson will focus on drawing ray diagrams for refraction. When a light ray hits a surface, what is the angle it makes with the normal called?

hint button
1

In this diagram we can see a light ray travelling from air into glass, and then from glass to air again. The angle of refraction is measured between the refracted ray and the ... ?

hint button
block image
2

The light gets refracted a second time when it goes from the glass block to air. Which angle is the angle of incidence? Answer A or B.

hint button
block image

Does the angle of incidence equal the angle of refraction?

hint button

Do you remember how going from less dense to a more dense medium affects the speed of light?

hint button
1

Does the light ray's speed increase or decrease?

hint button
block image
2

Does the refracted ray move towards or away from the normal?

hint button
block image
3

Here we can see how a light ray slows down and bends towards the normal.

This happens when it goes from a less dense to a more dense medium.

block image
1

In this case, does the light ray's speed increase or decrease?

hint button
block image
2

Does the refracted ray move towards or away from the normal?

hint button
block image
3

Here we can see how a light ray speed up and bend away from the normal.

This happens when it goes from a denser to a less dense medium.

block image
4

A way to remember how light bends when it is refracted, is by using F.A.S.T.

Faster speed bends Away from the normal. Slower speed bend Towards the normal.

block image

If you look into a fish bowl, does the fish appear to be its actual size?

hint button
1

In this diagram you can see where a virtual image is formed.

Just like with reflected images, you find the location of the image by tracing the refracted ray backwards.

block image
2

Here is an example of how refraction can make things appear differently.

You can try this out yourself with a glass of water!

block image