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Robert Call
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Reflection and Refraction - Example 1

In optics, reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves. The law of reflection says that for specular reflection the angle at which the wave is incident on the surface equals the angle at which it is reflected. Reflection may also be referred to as "mirror image" or "specular reflection". Refraction is the change in direction of a wave due to a change in its speed. The refractive index of a material is a measure of its ability to change the direction of a wave. A material with a higher refractive index will change the direction of a wave to a greater degree than a material with a lower refractive index. When a wave crosses the boundary between two materials with different refractive indices, part of the wave is refracted; that is, it changes direction. The ratio of the speeds of propagation of the two waves determines the angle of refraction, which is the angle between the direction of the incident and the refractive rays.

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RC
Robert Call
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Physics 103

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Top Physics 103 Educators
Christina Krawiec

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Andy Chen

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

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Next Lectures in Physics 103

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Spherical Lenses - Example 1

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