Final answer:
Refraction of light refers to the bending of light when it passes from one medium to another with a different optical density. This occurs due to the change in the speed of light in different mediums. An example is the apparent bending of a pencil when partially submerged in a glass of water.
Step-by-step explanation:
Refraction of light is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different optical density. This phenomenon occurs due to the change in the speed of light in different mediums. When light passes from a less dense medium (like air) to a more dense medium (like water or glass), it slows down and bends towards the normal line. Conversely, when light passes from a more dense medium to a less dense medium, it speeds up and bends away from the normal line.
For example, when a pencil is partially submerged in a glass of water, it appears bent at the water-air boundary. This is because light rays from the submerged portion of the pencil refract as they enter the air, causing the apparent shift in position.
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