All waves exhibit different behaviors when they interact with different types of matter.
Refraction
Refraction is the bending of waves caused by a change in the waves speed as they pass from one medium to another.
Prisms
- Prisms separate white light into its different components or colors by bending (refracting) the light at different angles depending on the frequencies of the light passing through the prism.
Prisms refract white light into all its component colors ROYGBIV.
White Light = R.O.Y.G.B.I.V.
Prisms reveal that white light is made up of all the colors of the rainbow including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.
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Convex Lenses refract light
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Some Examples of Convex Lenses
Use the simulator below to investigate the behavior of light waves
Interactive Guide:
- Using the Intro option - shine the laser beam and experiment with the different materials (mediums). What happens to the reflection and refraction of the laser beam in different materials?
- Using the Prisms option - shine the laser beam and experiment with the different lenses, objects, and environment. What do you notice about how these different variables affect refraction?
- Using the More Tools option - shine the laser beam and experiment with the different wave colors and materials. How is each color affected differently in the same materials?
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- Refraction is the bending of waves caused by a change in their speed as they pass from one medium to another.
- Prisms are a great example of refraction because they bend white light into all the colors of the rainbow ROYGBIV.
- Be careful not to mix up the terms refraction and reflection (it's easy to do)!