Refraction of Light

These flashcards cover key concepts, definitions, and applications related to the refraction of light.

What is refraction?

Refraction is the phenomenon that occurs due to the bending of light when it travels from one medium to another.

What causes refraction?

Refraction is caused by differences in density between two substances and changes in the speed of light.

What happens to light when it moves into a denser medium?

When light moves into a denser medium, it slows down and bends towards the normal line.

What is the normal line in refraction?

The normal line is an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Define refractive index.

The refractive index is a measure of how much the speed of light changes when it passes from one medium to another.

What is an example of refraction that causes optical illusions?

Mirages and looming are examples of optical illusions caused by atmospheric refraction.

What is the depth illusion in swimming pools an example of?

The depth illusion in swimming pools is an example of refraction making pools appear shallower than they are.

What happens to white light when it passes through a prism?

White light separates into a spectrum of colors when it passes through a prism.

What is the process of rainbow formation in terms of refraction?

Rainbow formation occurs when sunlight bends through raindrops and splits into colors.

List some applications of refraction in technology.

Applications of refraction include lenses in eyeglasses, microscopes, cameras, projectors, and telescopes.

What role does refraction play in vision correction?

Refraction enables the development of spectacles to correct vision by altering light's path.

Describe the total internal reflection in relation to refraction.

Total internal reflection occurs when light is completely reflected back into a medium instead of bending out.