Refraction

Refraction is a physical phenomenon that often occurs when waves pass from one medium to another. This is most commonly observed when a wave passes from one transparent medium to another. This causes the wave to change its speed and direction. The amount of change in wave speed is dependent on the properties of the two media. This is the principle that allows lenses and prisms to work, as well as the eye and the microscope.

Explanation

When a wave reaches the boundary between one medium and another, part of the wave is reflected back into the first medium while the rest of it passes into the second medium. The part of the wave that enters the second medium is refracted, or bent. The amount of bending, or angle of refraction, of the wave depends on the properties of the two media and the wavelength of the wave.

Applications

Refraction has many applications in optics and technology. A lens uses refraction to form an image of an object for many different purposes, such as in a camera, telescope, or eyeglasses. A prism uses refraction to spread light out into its different color components, creating a spectrum.

See also

• Reflection (physics)
• Diffraction
• Dispersion (optics)
• Total internal reflection
• Snell's law

References

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