2. The topic of reflection
and refraction lends itself
to misconceptions…
illustrations in textbooks
are often not adequate to
explain these concepts.
3. The speed of light
changes as it travels
through various
substances.
A change in speed
may cause the beam
to change its direction
of travel (refract).
A pencil placed
partway in water
looks bent.
4.
5. Water is denser than air– it has more
matter in the same space.
Glass is denser than water.
When light enters a denser medium, it
slows down.
When light enters a less dense medium it
speeds up.
6. CONVEX CONCAVE
Cause light rays to
converge (come
together).
Cause light rays to
diverge (spread
out).
Editor's Notes
Use the analogy of running through an empty room versus running though a room full of people. The extra “matter” would slow you down.
People have learned to control light refractions with lenses…
