Understanding Refraction in Optics

Light behaves in fascinating ways, often bending and changing direction as it passes from one medium to another. This phenomenon is fundamentally explained by the principles of optics, particularly refraction. When light travels from air into a denser medium, such as water, it changes speed and direction. The extent to which light bends depends on the indices of refraction of the two media involved. For example, when looking at a straw immersed in a glass of water, it appears to be broken at the surface.

This scenario invites investigation into the concept of refraction. Imagine you are conducting an experiment where light passes from air into glass, and you measure the angle of incidence as well as the angle of refraction. According to Snell's Law, the relationship between these angles can be expressed mathematically.