GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Refraction Ray Diagrams

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Waves Electromagnetic waves

Refraction Ray Diagrams

3:46 Refraction
Spec 4.6.2.2
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  • Refraction of light can be demonstrated using a rectangular block of glass.
  • Refraction occurs when a wave changes direction as it transmits from one medium to another.
  • A ray of light directed into a glass block will change its path due to refraction.
  • The ray emerges from the glass at a different point than expected if it traveled in a straight line.
  • A ray diagram can illustrate the path of refracted light through the glass block.
  • Ray diagrams use straight lines and arrows to show the direction of light rays.
  • The path of the ray inside the glass can be shown by joining the entry and exit points with a straight line.
  • The normal line, perpendicular to the boundary, helps understand how the path changes.
  • The ray bends towards the normal when entering the glass and away from the normal when exiting.
  • For exams, students need to construct and analyze ray diagrams showing refraction.
  • The direction of light changes can be described using the angle between the ray and the normal.
  • The angle of incidence is the angle at which light enters the boundary.
  • The angle of refraction is the angle at which light leaves the boundary.
  • If the ray bends towards the normal, the angle of refraction is smaller than the angle of incidence.
  • If the ray bends away from the normal, the angle of refraction is larger.
  • The letter 'I' represents the angle of incidence, and 'R' represents the angle of refraction.
  • GCSE students should identify and label these angles on a diagram but are not expected to calculate them.

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