Refraction

Definition

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index. This change in direction occurs due to a change in the speed of light in different media.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Refraction occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials.
2. The refractive index is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced inside a medium; higher refractive indices indicate slower light speed.
3. A common example of refraction in microbiology is the use of immersion oil to improve resolution under a microscope.
4. Snell's Law mathematically describes the relationship between the angles and indices of refraction for different media.
5. Refraction can cause magnification, which is crucial for observing microorganisms with optical instruments.

Review Questions

• What causes light to bend when it passes from one medium to another?
• How does using immersion oil improve microscopic resolution?
• Explain Snell's Law and its relevance in refraction.

Related terms

Refractive Index:

A dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels through a material.

Snell's Law:

A formula used to describe the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction, given by n1*sin(θ1) = n2*sin(θ2).

Immersion Oil:

A special oil used with high-power objective lenses to increase resolution by minimizing light refraction.