When we talk about how light waves bend when they go from the air into the water, there are some important things to know.
Change in Speed: Waves, like light, travel at different speeds in different places. For example, light moves faster in the air than it does in water. This change in speed is a big reason why the waves bend.
Angle of Incidence: The angle at which the wave hits the new surface matters a lot. If a wave comes in at a flat angle, it will bend more than if it hits straight on. This idea can be explained with something called Snell's Law, but don’t worry too much about the math!
Refractive Indices: Different materials, like air and water, affect how much the wave bends. Each material has a number called a refractive index. For example, the refractive index for water is about 1.33, while for air it’s about 1.00.
When we understand these factors, it helps us figure out why a straw looks bent when we put it in a glass of water!
When we talk about how light waves bend when they go from the air into the water, there are some important things to know.
Change in Speed: Waves, like light, travel at different speeds in different places. For example, light moves faster in the air than it does in water. This change in speed is a big reason why the waves bend.
Angle of Incidence: The angle at which the wave hits the new surface matters a lot. If a wave comes in at a flat angle, it will bend more than if it hits straight on. This idea can be explained with something called Snell's Law, but don’t worry too much about the math!
Refractive Indices: Different materials, like air and water, affect how much the wave bends. Each material has a number called a refractive index. For example, the refractive index for water is about 1.33, while for air it’s about 1.00.
When we understand these factors, it helps us figure out why a straw looks bent when we put it in a glass of water!