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Physics · Light and Optics

Refraction of Light

Explore how light bends between materials. Choose a mode to begin.

P Physics

n

Choose what to explore

Start with a mode

Each mode explores how light behaves when it meets a new material.

See what happens

Learning scene

Change a control and watch the light.

Introduction

θ₁45° θ₂32° Reflected / Transmitted7% / 93% v = c/n-

What is happening Light bends toward the normal

Why Moving into a denser material slows light and bends it toward the normal.

Explore

Controls

Change the materials, the angle and the wavelength to see how light bends.

n Refraction of Light

Simulation menu

Simulation tools

Keyboard help

Use Tab to move between controls, then use the keys below.

TabShift + Tab

Move to the next or previous control.

EnterSpace

Press a focused button or checkbox.

←→

Change the angle of the laser when it is focused, or a focused slider.

123

Open Introduction, Prisms or More Tools.

M

Return to the mode selection screen.

R

Reset the active mode.

Esc

Close a menu or dialog, or leave full screen.

Pandai Simulation

Refraction of Light

Version 0.5.2

A Pandai interactive simulation about how light refracts and reflects.

Shared Pandai interface regions are consistent across every simulation.

Choose a simulation mode to begin.

Simulation support

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Tell us what went wrong so the simulation can be improved.

Issue Type *

Simulation not working

Incorrect behaviour/result

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Screenshot attachment is not available in V1.