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Geometric Optics
Reflection, Refraction, and Dispersion
Physics Textbooks Boundless Physics Geometric Optics Reflection, Refraction, and Dispersion
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The Law of Refraction: Snell's Law and the Index of Refraction

Law of Refraction

Law of Refraction

Looking at the fish tank as shown, we can see the same fish in two different locations, because light changes directions when it passes from water to air. In this case, the light can reach the observer by two different paths, and so the fish seems to be in two different places. This bending of light is called refraction and is responsible for many optical phenomena.

Source

    Boundless vets and curates high-quality, openly licensed content from around the Internet. This particular resource used the following sources:

    "OpenStax College, College Physics. November 10, 2012."
    http://cnx.org/content/m42459/latest/?collection=col11406/1.7 OpenStax CNX CC BY 3.0.

Related Terms

  • index of refraction
  • refraction
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