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Refraction
Introduction
Refraction is the change in direction of a wave as it passes from one medium to another due to a change in wave speed. In this topic, students learn how waves behave at boundaries between different materials and apply Snell's Law to calculate angles of refraction. Understanding refraction is essential for explaining the behaviour of lenses, optical fibres and many natural phenomena involving light.
AQA A Level Physics Specification: 3.5.1.2 Refraction
What You Need to Know
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Define refraction as the change in direction of a wave caused by a change in wave speed.
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Explain why waves change direction when entering a different medium at an angle.
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State and apply Snell's Law.
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Calculate the refractive index of a material.
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Understand the relationship between refractive index and the speed of light in a medium.
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Describe how wavelength changes during refraction while frequency remains constant.
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Interpret ray diagrams involving refraction.
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Solve quantitative problems involving refractive index and Snell's Law.
Downloadable Topic Pack
Refraction Topic Pack Exam Questions and Answers
Related Topics
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The Nature of Waves
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Total Internal Reflection
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Diffraction
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Interference
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Optical Fibres
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