Refracting light
I can describe and draw how a ray of light refracts when it moves from one medium to another, and explain how refraction can cause virtual images.
Refracting light
I can describe and draw how a ray of light refracts when it moves from one medium to another, and explain how refraction can cause virtual images.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Light changes direction when it moves into a new medium (material) at an angle to the normal. This is called refraction.
- When light enters a transparent material from air, it turns towards the normal.
- When light leaves a transparent material and re–enters air it turns away from the normal.
- A ray that enters and leaves glass through parallel sides ends up in its original direction, but displaced to the side.
- Refraction can cause virtual images of objects to appear where light seems to be coming from.
Keywords
Transmit - when light moves into and through a new medium
Medium - the material that light is travelling through
Refraction - when light changes direction when it enters a new medium
Normal - a line drawn at 90° to the surface of a material
Virtual image - a representation of an object seen where light appears to be coming from, not where light actually comes from
Common misconception
A ray of light curves as it passes through glass, perspex or water.
Use a perspex block with the bottom painted white to demonstrate the path of a ray of light through it. Avoid putting too much emphasis on the term 'bending' light, instead try to primarily refer to light changing direction at a boundary.
Equipment
Transparent rectangular blocks, ray boxes (and power supplies if needed), coins (or heavy counters), mugs/white plastic cups (or similar open–topped, non–transparent containers), beakers.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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