The Direction of Bending
The Direction of Bending Video Tutorial explains with great detail and numerous examples how to use information about the relative speed, optical density and index of refraction values of two materials in order to predict the direction that light will refract when passes across the boundary between the two materials.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How can one predict the direction that an incident ray refracts when it crosses a boundary?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Concept Builders, Reflection and Refraction Chapter: Law Enforcement - Refraction
Concept Builders will help do what it's name boasts of - build a concept. This Concept Builder may be your best next step after the video. Use information about relative speed, optical density and n value to identify any diagram that displays the wrong direction of bending. You're going to have to think ... and thinking is good for you.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL2
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the speed of light and the direction of bending.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL3
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to optical density, the n value, and the direction of bending.
Physics Interactive, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Refraction Simulation
Sometimes you learn best by playing. And our simulations allow you to do just that. Our Refraction simulation allows you to explore the variables that impact the amount and direction of refraction occuring at a boundary.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1, Direction of Bending
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of the first several slides of the video.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Refraction and Lenses
Our Curriculum Corner section of the website includes a large collection of Think Sheets that make great complements to the video. Each Think Sheet focuses on a single concept and is structured to incrementally guide a student through the concept. They make for great follow-ups to the video, good cooperative group activities, and inclusions in any lesson plan. And if you need source documents (Microsoft Words), extended licensing rights, and solutions, consider the purchase of our low-cost Solutions Guide download. Here's a Think Sheet that fits the video quite well:
Direction of Bending
Physics Interactives, Refraction and Lenses Section, Refraction
Our refraction simulation provides a great environment for students to explore what happens when light reaches the boundary between two materials. Combine the simulation with the use of one of our student activity sheets and the accompanying Concept Checker and you will have the start of a great lesson plan.
Physics Interactives, Refraction and Lenses Section, Least Time Principle
Our Least Time Principle simulation centers around the classic questiion of what path does the light guard take to reach the drowning swimmer in the least amount of time? Students use a trial and error method to determine the optimal entry point - the point that takes the least amount of time. Once found, the angle of approach and departure from the boundary and reported. Students then relate the angles to the running and the walking speed of the life guard. This is a great inquiry-driven activity.
Concept Builders, Reflection and Refraction Chapter: Law Enforcement - Refraction
Concept Builders will help do what it's name boasts of - build a concept. This Concept Builder may be a student's best next step after the video. They must use information about relative speed, optical density and n value to identify any diagram that displays the wrong direction of bending. They're going to have to think ... and not too many of use Ts will complain about that.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL2
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the speed of light and the direction of bending.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL3
Student persistence with Minds On Physics combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to optical density, the n value, and the direction of bending.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1, Direction of Bending
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of the entirety of the video. Help students out by putting a link to it on your on your Course Page.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.