Refraction
Leaving Cert Physics · Waves and Energy Transfer
Higher Level
The change in direction of a wave as it crosses a boundary between two media, caused by the change in its speed. It bends towards the normal on entering a denser medium and away from the normal on leaving one.
Ordinary Level
The bending of light as it passes from one material into another, such as air into water. It makes a straw look bent in a glass.
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