Master the physics of light bending through interactive demonstrations! Explore how light changes direction in different media, understand lenses, and discover real-world applications.
Physics Insights
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Interactive Physics Lessons
Understanding Light & Optics
Refraction Phenomenon
When light travels from one medium to another, it changes both speed and direction. This bending of light is called refraction and follows predictable laws based on the optical density of materials.
Refractive Index
The refractive index (n) measures how much light slows down in a material. Higher refractive index means slower light speed. Water has n=1.33, while glass has n=1.52, causing different amounts of bending.
Convex Lenses
Thicker in the middle, convex lenses converge parallel light rays to a focal point. Used in magnifying glasses, cameras, and correcting farsightedness, they create real images when objects are beyond the focal length.
Concave Lenses
Thinner in the middle, concave lenses diverge light rays as if they originated from a virtual focal point. Used in telescopes and correcting nearsightedness, they always produce virtual, diminished images.