What is Refraction?

Answer

Refraction is a phenomenon that occurs when waves on passing from one transparent medium to another bend at the boundary between the two mediums. It may also be known as the ability of the eye(s) to bend light in order to focus it on the retina. In Physics refraction is the extent to which a wave is refracted while in astronomy it is the extent of the distortion of the position of an astronomical object as a result of bending of light.

Ask.com Answer for: what is refraction

refraction - Definition [ri-frak-shuhn]

(n.) The change of direction of light or heat rays in passing to another medium

Source: Dictionary.com

5 Additional Answers

Refraction is used in lenses for, contact lenses, eye glasses, telescopes and cameras. It can also be used to detect toxins or explosives, and identify infections. It is the bending of a light wave that passes from one medium to another.

When light hits an object, it turns or bends as it passes through the object. This change in direction is called refraction, and the angle formed is called the angle of refraction. The refraction occurs because of a change in the density of the material or medium that the light or sound is passing through.

This is the bending of light as they crosses in different medium at the boundary.

poohbowen

Refraction is when a wave changes it's direction because there was a change in speed. Usually it happens because the wave moves from one medium to another medium at an angle. You can find more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refraction

Dayweaver

Refraction is when light has changed direction because its speed has changed. This can be seen when you place a straw into a cup. The straw appears the be bent or cut, but it's caused by light being refracted. You can find more information here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Refraction

Q&A Related to "What is Refraction"

what is refraction?

Refraction is mainly is when the bending of light or sound waves. Now this only occur when the wave moves from one medium to another, I hope this will help you.

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Who Invented the Refracting Telescope?

The first refracting telescope was in the Netherlands in 1608. It is credited to three people, Hans Lippershey, Zacharias Janssen and Jacob Metius.

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What Causes Refraction?

Refraction is what happens when light enters into two different substances that have two very different densities. It is referred to as the "bending of light".

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What is Wave Refraction?

When a wave changes direction it is called wave refraction. This can be caused by a change in it's speed for any reason, such as coming in contact with a medium that it is unable

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