Refraction and Lenses - Mission RL1 Detailed Help

Light waves refract when passing across the boundary between two media because _____.


 
Definition of Refraction:
Refraction is the bending of the path of light that occurs when light passes across the boundary from one medium to a new medium. The path of light changes or bends at the boundary.


 
Refraction occurs when light passes from one medium to another medium. The speed of light is dependent upon the medium through which it is traveling. Upon crossing the boundary, the speed of light changes. This speed change leads to a subsequent direction change. The change in direction of the path of light upon crossing the boundary is known as refraction.