The online light refraction simulations on this page will allow you to deepen your understanding of the mechanism of light refraction, its main parameters and the laws that govern it and specifically the Snell’s Law of refraction of light.
What is refraction of light?
Refraction of light is an optical phenomenon that occurs when light changes direction as the medium in which it propagates changes. This change of direction occurs because the speed of light varies as it passes from one medium to another, such as from air to water or from water to glass. Refraction has applications in a variety of areas, such as fiber optics or the lens industry. Understanding the refraction of light is essential to explain and exploit a wide range of optical phenomena and technologies.
Laws of refraction of light
When light passes from one medium to another with a different propagation velocity, it undergoes a deflection in its path. The refraction of light is governed by the laws of refraction. Here are the two main laws:
First Law of Refraction
The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal line (perpendicular to the surface) are in the same plane. The speed of light in each medium is measured by the index of refraction which is the quotient of the speed of light in vacuum and the speed of light in the medium whose index is calculated. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
n = c / v
Where:
n is the refractive index of the medium.
c is the speed of light in a vacuum.
v is the speed of light in the medium.
Second Law of Refraction. Snell’s law of refraction of light
Snell’s law of refraction of light, expresses the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction of light as it passes through the surface of separation between two media with different index of refraction. Mathematically, it is expressed as:
n1 sinθ1 = n2 sinθ1
Where:
n1 is the velocity of light in the first medium.
θ1 is the angle of incidence in the first medium
n2 is the velocity of light in the second medium
θ2 is the angle of refraction in the second medium.
Applications of the refraction of light
The refraction of light is essential in the formation of images by lenses, such as those used in eyeglasses, cameras and microscopes. Optical lenses take advantage of the ability of light to refract to focus light to a specific point and form sharp images. The online simulations of the laws of refraction of light presented on this page will help you to understand the behavior of light and its interaction with matter.
Light refraction simulations
Change of medium I
In this simulation you can observe the different parameters involved in the refraction of a light ray when changing medium. Observe the fulfillment of Snell’s Law of refraction of light.
Change of medium II
Prism
See what happens when you pass light through a material other than air. Try changing to different shapes and see how light behaves differently in each case. Why does white light break down into colors?
Reflection and refraction laboratory
Explore the bending of light between two media with different refractive indices. See how changing from air to water to glass changes the angle of reflection. Play with prisms of different shapes and create a rainbow. Check again how Snell’s law of refraction of light works.
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Law of refraction
Refraction of light occurs when light passes from one medium to another, which usually involves a change of direction. The angle of incidence and the angle of refraction are related by Snell’s law. Observe the result of changing the angle of incidence and the index of refraction.
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