What is Refraction of Light? Explain with the help of a diagram.

Refraction of Light

What is Refraction?

Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one transparent medium to another. This occurs due to the change in the speed of light in different media. For example, when light passes from air into water or glass, it slows down and bends toward the normal.

Explanation with Diagram:

Incident Ray Refracted Ray Normal

(Diagram showing refraction of light at air-glass boundary)

Why Refraction Happens?

Light travels at different speeds in different materials. It moves fastest in air and slower in denser mediums like glass or water. When light enters a denser medium at an angle, one part slows down before the other, causing the light to bend. This bending is called refraction.

Applications of Refraction

• Formation of a rainbow
• Lenses in spectacles and cameras
• Apparent bending of a stick in water
• Magnifying glasses