What is refraction?

Refraction is a phenomenon that occurs when a wave, such as light or sound, travels through a medium of varying refractive index. When a wave enters a new medium, its speed changes, causing the wave to bend or change direction. This is known as refraction. The amount of refraction depends on the angle of incidence, the refractive indices of the two media, and the wavelength of the wave.

The refractive index is a property of a medium that determines how much the speed of light is slowed down as it passes through that medium. The refractive index of air is about 1.0, while water has a refractive index of 1.33.

Refraction is responsible for several optical phenomena, such as the bending of light through lenses, mirages, and the twinkling of stars. It is also important in the design of optical instruments, such as microscopes, telescopes, and cameras.

Refraction is also used in a variety of applications, including in the correction of vision problems, the measurement of the density of liquids, and in the production of optical fibers for telecommunications.