Refract

/rɪˈfrækt/

verb

It is when light changes direction when it passes through a different medium or substance.

When light enters water or a prism, it refracts and gives us a rainbow.

$Visual representation of "refract" - It is when light changes direction when it passes through a different medium or substance.$

Definition 1 of 2

$Visual representation of "refract"$

Pro Tip 1/3

Refract is used when light crosses boundaries like air to water, altering its course.

The straw seems bent where it refracts at the water's surface.

Pro Tip 2/3

Use 'refract' to explain why we see beautiful patterns like rainbows in nature.

The droplets in the atmosphere refract sunlight to create a rainbow.

Pro Tip 3/3

'Refract' isn't the same as 'reflect.' It's about bending within, not bouncing back.

The light doesn't reflect off the water, it refracts within it.

benddeflectdeviatediffusedispersereboundreflectscatter

$Visual representation of the word "Refract"$

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