Refraction
Refraction is the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another because its speed changes.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
The ray bends towards the normal when it enters a denser medium and away from the normal when it enters a rarer medium. This is why a pencil in water appears bent and why lenses can focus light.
Example
A straw partly dipped in water appears broken at the water surface.
Simple analogy
Change medium, change speed, change direction.
Common confusion
Students think the light ray bends because the object itself changes shape. Actually the light changes direction at the boundary.
Exam tip
Always mention both speed change and boundary crossing when explaining refraction.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of refraction in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define refraction and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain refraction, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
Practice this concept with focused MCQs
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