Inquiry Investigation:
The Refraction of Light
308-10 & 210-11 Describe qualitatively how visible light is
refracted
208-1 Rephrase questions related to refraction in a testable
form
208-5 Predict the effect of transparent media on the angle
of refraction of light
209-2 Estimate angles of refraction
• When light travels through air, it travels in a
straight line. What happens when travels from
one material into another?
• How do your legs look in a swimming pool?
• Why does this happen?
What is refraction?
The bending of light as it travels from one material
into another.
Looks like a broken pencil
Light bends because it changes speed
when it moves between materials that
have different densities.
The bending of light makes the object’s image
appear to be in a different position from where
the object really is.
• Read page 288 and 289
• Complete the activity
What is the angle of refraction?
The angle between the refracted
ray and the normal
What happens when light hits a
transparent surface?
When light hits a transparent surface, most of the light
enters the material. If light strikes the surface at an angle,
it changes direction upon entering. Once light crosses the
boundary between the two materials, it continues to travel
in a straight line. For this reason, refraction is called
a “ boundary behavior”.
Homework Questions
Complete the question.
If you found a coin in the water, would you reach for the
exact location the coin appears to be? Explain your
answer.