* Refraction: The bending of a wave as it passes from one medium to another. This occurs because the wave's speed changes as it enters the new medium.
* Angle of Incidence (θ₁): This is the angle between the incoming wave and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface of the medium).
* Angle of Refraction (θ₂): This is the angle between the refracted wave and the normal.
* Snell's Law: This law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, and the indices of refraction of the two media:
* n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂)
* n₁ and n₂ are the indices of refraction of the first and second media, respectively.
What Happens to the Wave:
1. Speed Change: The wave's speed will change depending on the properties of the new medium. If the new medium is denser, the wave will slow down. If it's less dense, the wave will speed up.
2. Direction Change: The wave will bend (refract) at the boundary between the two media. The direction of bending depends on the speed change.
* Slower Speed: The wave bends towards the normal.
* Faster Speed: The wave bends away from the normal.
3. Wavelength Change: The wavelength of the wave also changes in proportion to the speed change. A slower speed means a shorter wavelength, and a faster speed means a longer wavelength.
Example:
Imagine a light wave traveling through air (medium 1) and then entering water (medium 2). Water is denser than air, so light travels slower in water. Because of this, the light wave will bend towards the normal as it enters the water.
Important Note:
* The amount of bending depends on the difference in the speed of light in the two media.
* If the wave enters the new medium perpendicular to the surface (at 0 degrees), there will be no bending, only a change in speed.
Let me know if you'd like a more detailed explanation of any specific aspect of refraction!
