reflection and refraction

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to water.

Front

What causes a pencil to appear broken when placed in water?

Back

The pencil appears broken because light bends when it passes from water to air.

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing off of light rays from the surface of an object, such as a mirror.

Front

What happens to light when it goes from air to glass?

Back

Light bends, which is called refraction.

Front

What is an example of reflection?

Back

Light bouncing off a mirror is an example of reflection.

Front

What is the term for light being absorbed by a surface?

Back

Absorption is when light is taken in by a surface and does not bounce back.

Front

What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing of light off a surface, while refraction is the bending of light as it passes through different materials.

Front

What is a medium in the context of light?

Back

A medium is a substance through which light travels, such as air, water, or glass.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection occurs when light hits a boundary at a steep angle and reflects completely back into the medium.

Front

What is the angle of incidence?

Back

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incoming light ray and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface).