Page 86 - Science Course 3 (Book 2)

Mo10-L5b: Interaction of Light Waves with Matter

Object A wave that changes direction as it travels from one
material to another is refracting.

Refraction occurs when a wave changes speed.
The greater the change in speed, the more the light
wave refracts or changes direction.

Ref ected Incident
Ray Ray Red Light refracted
White Light
White Light

Light dispersion
Blue Light refracted most
by a prism
Image
Refraction of light (also known as the bending of
light rays)

Air Angle of
(medium 2) Perpendicular
When a surface ref ects a light ray, the angle of
incidence equals the angle of ref ection.

Incoming light ray Apparent
Position
Water
(medium 1)
Angle of Incidence Actual
Position

Normal

Angle of Ref ection SUMMARY

Interaction of Light Waves with Matter

Ref ected light ray When light waves interact with matter, they
can be absorbed, ref ected, or transmitted.

Scattering occurs when light waves traveling in one
direction are made to travel in many directions.

Dust Particle

Light ray

Air

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