when light moves into and through a new medium

the material that light is travelling through

when light changes direction when it enters a new medium

a line drawn at 90° to the surface of a material

a representation of an object seen where light appears to be coming from, not where light actually comes from

Refracting light

Science

In the Waves unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn about the properties and propagation of transverse and longitudinal waves.

In the Sound, light and vision unit, pupils learnt how sound waves travel through different types of medium and are absorbed and reflected, how light is reflected off mirrors, and how the eye can see objects by the light they reflect.

Making images

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

a material that light is travelling through

Which of the following is a definition of ‘medium’?

a change in colour when light enters a new material

a change in direction when light enters a new material

Which of the following is a definition of ‘refraction’?

Which of the following are possible when light hits a boundary between two materials?

An incident ray hits a boundary between air and glass. There is no refraction if the angle of incidence is...

All three rays are bent towards the normal.

All three rays are bent away from the normal.

The diagram shows three light rays entering a block of glass. Which of the following statements are correct?

Which of the following diagrams show possible paths of light rays passing through transparent rectangular blocks?

When a wave bounces back from a surface or boundary, this is called {{}}.

Which of the following types of material transmit light?

Which of the following statements describe a light ray?

It is drawn at right angles to the mirror.

It is useful for measuring angles on a ray diagram.

It is useful for measuring distances on a ray diagram.

It meets the mirror where the ray meets the mirror.

Which of the following describe the normal in a ray diagram for reflection?

A representation of an object seen where light appears to come from, not where light actually comes from, is called a {{}} image.

a table and graph of the measurements made

a statement of what was discovered, and how it is known

a description of the equipment used and the steps taken

Which of the following best describes the conclusion of an experiment?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Refracting light

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.