Reflection, Refraction & Diffraction

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, caused by a change in its speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves, including light, as they pass around an obstacle or through an opening.

Front

What is the main difference between refraction and diffraction?

Back

Refraction involves the bending of light; diffraction involves the bending and spreading of light, usually around an obstacle.

Front

Why does a straw appear bent in a glass of water?

Back

The straw appears bent because light is refracted as it passes from water to air.

Front

What do we call a material that light can travel through?

Back

A medium.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

What happens to light when it passes from air into water?

Back

Light slows down and bends towards the normal line, causing refraction.

Front

What is the normal line in optics?

Back

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

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection occurs when light hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the medium.