Which term is defined as the change in the direction of light when it goes from one medium into a different medium?

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Chemistry

Erin Murphy

14 September, 17:20

Which term is defined as the change in the direction of light when it goes from one medium into a different medium?

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Lucas Compton · Answer 1

The term defined as the change in direction of light when it goes from one medium into a different medium is refraction.

Refraction is the change of direction on the propagation of a beam of light when it passes from a medium to other; this only happens when the light travels at different speeds in both media.

When a beam of light that travels in the air incedes in a slab of glass, part of the beam is reflected (bounces) and part is refracted (it penetrates in the glass and changes the angle).

Also, due to the different speeds of light in air and water, when a beam of light passes from air to water, it refracts.