Refraction Of Light Flashcards
In general, what happens when a wave goes from a less dense to a more dense medium?
It’s velocity decreases
What is the optical density of a medium?
A measure of the way the light interacts with the material as it passes through it
What happens to light when it goes from air to glass? (refer to the normal)
Light turns towards the normal (as it slows down)
What happens to light when it goes from glass to air? (Refer to the normal)
It turns away from the normal (as it speeds up)
What is dispersion?
When different frequencies of light refract by different amounts leading to visible light (splitting) into various colours
How is refractive index affected by different frequencies of light?
In general, refractive index is greater for light of higher frequencies
What is the critical angle?
The angle of incidence in the material that causes a ray of light to refractive into air at 90°
What is necessary for reflection without refraction?
An angle of incidence greater than the critical angle
What stays constant when light travels from air into a transparent material?
Frequency
