Final answer:
Refraction is the bending of light or other waves when transitioning between different mediums, often of varying densities, which causes a change in direction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Refraction:
Refraction is the change in direction of a light wave when it passes through variations in matter. This phenomenon typically occurs when light waves travel from one medium to another medium with a different density, causing the light rays to bend. For example, when light passes from air to glass, the light rays are refracted, resulting in a change in their direction. Refraction is not limited to visible light; it can also affect other types of waves like sound waves when they pass through different media.
Lenses use the principle of refraction to focus light rays. The curved surface of a lens bends the light passing through it in such a way that the light rays converge or diverge to form an image. This is an essential concept in optics, including the design of glasses, cameras, and telescopes. Additionally, the phenomenon of refraction is leveraged in technology such as optical fibers, which transmit voice and data over long distances with little loss in signal quality.