There are 7 lessons in this physics tutorial covering Refraction of Light. The tutorial starts with an introduction to Refraction of Light and is then followed with a list of the separate lessons, the tutorial is designed to be read in order but you can skip to a specific lesson or return to recover a specific physics lesson as required to build your physics knowledge of Refraction of Light. you can access all the lessons from this tutorial below.
In this Physics tutorial, you will learn:
- What is refraction of waves?
- How refraction is applied in light waves?
- What do the Laws of Refraction say about light rays travelling through various media?
- What is the critical angle? When it is observed?
- What happens when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle?
- What is the index of refraction? How it is calculated?
- What does the Snell's Law says about the angles during refraction?
- How is the total internal reflection applied in technology?
Introduction to Refraction of Light
Have you ever watched through a clear river water? Why the river bottom look much closer than it actually is?
When you partially insert your index finger on water, the fingers seems broken. Why does this occur?
Do you think light moves at the same speed in air and water? Explain your opinion.
In this tutorial, we discuss diffraction - a phenomenon that occurs in all types of waves, but which is particularly important in light waves. Also, the mathematical apparatus of light refraction, including the laws of refraction will be explained.
Please select a specific "Refraction of Light" lesson from the table below, review the video tutorial, print the revision notes or use the practice question to improve your knowledge of this physics topic.
Optics Learning Material| Tutorial ID | Physics Tutorial Title | Tutorial | Video
Tutorial | Revision
Notes | Revision
Questions |
|---|
| 12.3 | Refraction of Light | | | | |
| Lesson ID | Physics Lesson Title | Lesson | Video
Lesson |
|---|
| 12.3.1 | Refraction in Water Waves as an Easier Way to Understand the Phenomenon of Light Refraction | | |
| 12.3.2 | Refraction of Light Waves | | |
| 12.3.3 | Laws of Refraction | | |
| 12.3.4 | Critical Angle. Total Internal Reflection | | |
| 12.3.5 | The Index of Refraction | | |
| 12.3.6 | Snell's Law Equation on Refraction of Light | | |
| 12.3.7 | Total Internal Reflection | | |
Whats next?
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- Continuing learning optics - read our next physics tutorial: Interference and Diffraction of Light
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