Refraction

الانكسار

The bending or change in direction of light propagation caused by a change in its phase velocity when passing obliquely from one transparent medium into another of different optical density. The word refraction comes from the Latin word refractus, which means to break back. The law of refraction states that the angle of incidence i, made with the normal to the surface, is related to the angle of refraction r, made with the normal to the surface, by the equation: n1 sin i = n2 sin r

Quick Decode

Refraction is the change in direction of light as it passes at an angle between transparent materials in which it travels at different speeds. In the eye, refraction by the cornea and lens helps focus light onto the retina.

Still confused?

Decode it differently.

Ask Decode

Ask about this concept and get an answer grounded in its Decode content and references.

References (1)
  1. Keating, M. P. Geometric, Physical, and Visual Optics (2nd ed., Chapter 1)