Chapter 8

Light and Optics

How light reflects, refracts and is focused by lenses — with an interactive exercise.

Light travels in straight lines and lets us see.

When light hits a mirror it reflects (bounces off). When light passes from one material into another (like air into water) it bends — this is refraction. Lenses use refraction to focus light, as in a magnifying glass, a camera and the human eye.

Remember

  • Reflection = light bounces off; refraction = light bends.
  • Lenses focus light (eye, camera, magnifying glass).

Stuck on this topic? A verified JomKelas tutor can walk you through it.

Find a verified tutor