GCSE Physics (CCEA)

Topic Summaries

Refraction and lenses

Refraction and speed

  • The speed of an electromagnetic wave changes depending on the medium it is travelling through.
  • Refraction is caused by light changing speed as it enters a different medium.
    • If light slows down it will bend towards the normal.
    • If light speeds up it will bend away from the normal.
  • Refraction can also be observed in water waves when entering a shallower part of water. The waves will slow down with shorter wavelengths, and change direction

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