Final answer:
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes between two mediums with different refractive indices, resulting in a change of direction dependent on their relative refractive indices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phenomenon described in the question is known as refraction, which is the bending of light waves as they pass from one transparent medium to another with a different refractive index (RI). The change of speed and wavelength of light as it enters a medium causes the light rays to change direction. The angle of refraction depends on the relative values of the refractive indices of the two media. If light travels from a medium with a lower refractive index to one with a higher index, the light ray bends towards the normal. Conversely, if light moves from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower index, it bends away from the normal.