Refraction - JSS2 Basic science Lesson Note

Refraction happens when light passes through one medium into another and changes direction. It occurs because light travels at different speeds through different materials. For example, when light moves from air into water, it slows down and bends, causing objects to appear distorted when viewed through water.

This bending of light is described by Snell's law, which relates the angles and refractive indices of the two materials. Refraction is responsible for phenomena like the bending of a pencil in a glass of water and the formation of rainbows in the sky. It's crucial in optics, helping to design lenses for eyeglasses, cameras, and other optical instruments.