refraction

Everyday

1. Refraction is the bending of light (or sound or water waves) when it passes from one material into another, like from air into water or glass. tree →
2. Because of refraction, a straw in a glass of water looks bent or broken. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on light, refraction explains rainbows, lenses in glasses and magnifying glasses, and why pools look shallower than they are. It is often taught next to reflection. Phrases: «refraction of light», «light refracts».

Examples

• A pencil in a glass of water looks bent because of refraction. tree →
• Refraction of sunlight in raindrops makes a rainbow. tree →
• Glasses use refraction to help people see clearly. tree →
• The pool looks shallower than it is because of refraction, so be careful before jumping in. tree →
• A prism uses refraction to split white light into colours. tree →
• We did an experiment on refraction with a torch and a glass of water. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Verb: «refract» (refracted). Do not confuse with «reflection»: reflection = light bounces back; refraction = light goes through and bends.