What is the fastest way to get from point A to point B if you are going through two different mediums, such as air then water? Scholars explore the way light travels through air, water, acrylic, glass, and diamond as they answer this question. Graphs display the travel time and angles of refraction for each combination tested.

Concepts

refraction, light refraction, the speed of light, electromagnetic waves, angle of incidence, angle of refraction

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use a laser light and blocks of transparent material (water, glass, acrylic) to observe this in person

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes prior knowledge of sine waves, angles, refraction, and interpreting graphs
• Must sign up for a free CK-12 account to access the interactive

Pros

• Includes answers to some of the worksheet questions
• Provides a walk-through video examining the science behind the simulation

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.4