UNIT 2 CELL BIOLOGYFigure 4.14: Refraction is the
bending of light as it crosses a boundary
between two different materials.Figure 4.15: This illusion is created
because light is refracted as it travels
from air to water.refraction - the bending of light
as it crosses a boundary between
two different transparent materials.AirAirGlassRefraction
Refraction is the
bending of lightTransparent materials like air, glass and water allow light
to be transmitted. Refraction is the bending of light as it crosses
a boundary between two different transparent materials. Almost
every time light passes from one type of matter into another, it
will change speed. For example, light travels slightly faster in air
than in water. When a light ray traveling through air enters glass
it slows down and refracts, bending toward the normal line. This
bending effect takes place whenever light slows as it moves from
one material into another. The opposite effect happens when light
speeds up as it moves from one material into another. For
example, when light goes from glass to air, it speeds up, bending
away from the normal line.Refraction
changes how
objects lookA glass rod in water is a good example of refraction (Figure 4.15).
The glass rod appears to break where it crosses the surface of the
water, but this is just an illusion. The illusion is caused by
refracted light rays. The light rays from the glass rod are refracted
(or bent) when they cross from water, into glass, and back into air
before reaching your eyes. Do you think the illusion would still
happen if there were no water in the glass? Try it and see.