Physics Course/Waves/Wave Refraction

Wave Refraction

Wave refraction is a phenomenon observed when wave travels and hits a blocking object at a deflected angle instead of passing through the object in straight line.

Angle of Refraction

If θ_i represents the incident angle and if wave travels in straight line then the angle of refraction is equal to angle of incident

θ_r = θ_i

If wave travels is being deflected at angle θ_r Then the deflection can be calculated by

Degree of Refraction = ${\frac {Sin\Theta _{r}}{Sin\Theta _{r}}}$