Learning objective

Define refraction as the change in direction of a light ray when it transitions from one medium to another.

Read the explanation, check the common trap, then practise with flashcards and questions.

Exam focus

Cambridge IGCSE Combined ScienceWavesCore content

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Quick explanation

This point belongs to Light, especially Light outcomes.
You need to be able to define refraction as the change in direction of a light ray when it transitions from one medium to another.
The key ideas to know are Define and Explain.
Use the linked flashcards and practice questions to check recall, then practise applying the idea in an exam-style answer.

Key concepts

DefineExplain

Why it matters

This objective helps connect Light outcomes to exam-style questions, flashcards, and revision notes for Light.

Revision tools

Flashcards10 linked cards

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Practice Questions7 linked questions

Question 1 of 7

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0 of 5 attempted

Paper 3Theory (Core)2 marks

Description

When a straw is placed in a glass of water, it appears bent at the surface of the water.

a
Explain why the straw appears bent when viewed from the side of the glass.
Your answer
Aim for approximately 2 distinct marking points.
[2]

Revision notestopic notes

Open the full topic revision notes when you are ready to review this objective in context.

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