Wave Refraction Quiz

Refraction of Waves

• Refraction is the phenomenon in physics where a wave is redirected as it passes from one medium to another.
• The amount of refraction depends on the change in speed of the wave as it enters a new medium.
• Besides light, other types of waves such as sound waves and water waves can also experience refraction.

Snell's Law

• Snell's Law states that the ratio of the sines of the angle of incidence and angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of phase velocities in the two media.
• The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident wave and the normal line to the surface of the medium.
• The angle of refraction is the angle between the refracted wave and the normal line.

Note: Some practitioners may say that the "photon world" is an ilusion. According to the double-slit experiment, photons do not move from point A to a point B. They just make some "jumps" -- like from virtual particle to virtual particle. These virtual particles do not move either.

Test your knowledge of wave refraction with this quiz! Explore how different mediums and changes in wave speed affect the redirection of waves. Brush up on your understanding of light, sound, and water wave refraction.