Refraction

• What is the phenomenon called when light waves change direction as they pass from one medium to another?

  Refraction
• Why do waves travel at different speeds in different materials?

  Because different materials have different densities
• How does the density of a material affect the speed of electromagnetic waves like light?

  The higher the density, the slower the wave travels through it
• What happens to a light wave when it travels from air into glass?

  It slows down and bends towards the normal
• What is the normal line in the context of refraction?

  It is the dashed line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence
• What occurs when a wave hits the boundary at an angle?

  It will be refracted, changing its direction
• In a ray diagram, what should be drawn first when illustrating the refraction of light through glass?

  The normal line at the point of incidence
• What do we call the ray that is refracted as it enters a more dense medium?

  The refracted ray
• What happens to the light ray when it exits the glass back into air?

  It speeds up and bends away from the normal
• What are the angles that need to be labeled in a ray diagram for refraction?

  The angle of incidence and the angle of refraction
• According to the wave speed equation, what happens to the wavelength when the speed of a wave increases?

  The wavelength must increase as well
• What remains constant when a wave passes from one medium to another?

  The frequency of the wave
• How do different wavelengths of light behave when passing through a triangular prism?

  They are refracted by different amounts, spreading out like a rainbow
• What is the process of drawing a ray diagram for refraction?

  1. Draw the normal line at the point of incidence.
  2. Draw the incident ray.
  3. Determine the direction of the refracted ray based on density change.
  4. Label the angles of incidence and refraction.
  5. Draw the emergent ray as it exits the medium.
• What are the key concepts related to the refraction of light waves?

  • Refraction occurs when light waves change direction at a boundary.
  • Waves travel at different speeds in different mediums due to density.
  • The normal line is crucial for understanding the bending of light.
  • The frequency of light remains constant while the wavelength changes.
  • Different wavelengths of light are refracted differently, creating a spectrum.