Instructions
Read the following information about water refraction and answer the questions below.
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. In the case of water, when light moves from air (a less dense medium) into water (a more dense medium), it slows down and changes direction. This is why objects submerged in water appear distorted or closer to the surface than they actually are.
Some key points to remember about water refraction:
- Light travels faster in air than in water.
- The angle of incidence is the angle at which light hits the water surface.
- The angle of refraction is the angle at which light is bent as it enters the water.
- Refraction can create optical illusions, such as fish appearing in different locations.
Questions
1. What does refraction refer to?
2. What happens to light as it moves from air into water?
3. Describe one optical illusion created by refraction in water.
4. What are the two angles involved in the process of refraction? Define each angle briefly.
5. Why do submerged objects appear distorted or closer to the surface?
6. Can light travel faster in water than in air? Explain your answer.