What is refraction?

Refraction is what occurs when light passes from one medium to another (for example, air to water) and because of the difference in the medium, the speed changes. This change in speed of light causes it to 'bend'; go in a slightly different direction than it did before.

TD
Answered by Tanika D. Physics tutor

2016 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Why does atmospheric pressure drop when altitude increases?


The Alternating Current Flowing through the Primary Coil of the Transformer Creates an Alternating Current in the Secondary coil. Explain how!


Alice and Bob are sat on a seesaw. The seesaw is in static equilibrium. Alice weighs 500N and is sat 0.5m to the left of the pivot. If Bob weighs 800N, how far from the pivot on the right is he sat? What happens if Bob moves closer to the pivot?


What are Balanced Forces?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning