Because it's accessible and the situation is relatable, and water is indeed another medium.

why does light even exist.

Because God thought light was good, so he said "Let there be light", and then there was light!

How much refraction can happen at once?

As much as you can fit in the glass.

Is there a way to know how much refraction will happen?

Kind of. Different objects have different levels/rates of refraction. The density on the object can also help determine it.

Main content

Course: Middle school physics - NGSS > Unit 4

Lesson 3: Transmission and refraction

Transmission and refraction

Google Classroom

Review your understanding of transmission and refraction in this free article aligned to NGSS standards.

Key points:

Transmission happens when a wave travels through a medium or into a new medium.
Not all waves transmit through the same materials.
- Transmission depends on the type of wave, type of material and even the frequency of the wave.
- For example, if you knock on a door the vibration you create will transmit through the door and be heard as sound. However, light does not transmit through a door so you cannot be seen through it.
Usually, waves travel in a straight line until they interact with a boundary. Refraction happens when a wave’s path bends at a boundary as it transmits into a new medium.
The amount a wave refracts depends on the type of wave, the frequency of the wave, and the material it is moving into.

Want to join the conversation?

Sort by:

Aarush Chennamaneni
Posted a year ago. Direct link to Aarush Chennamaneni's post “If you shine a light with...”
If you shine a light with a 🔦 on a 🪞, the light gets bent and it reaction is that it has 🌈 lights
Button navigates to signup pageComment on Aarush Chennamaneni's post “If you shine a light with...”
(27 votes)
Answer
- hayzenf
  Posted 5 months ago. Direct link to hayzenf's post “is it reflection”
  is it reflection
  Comment on hayzenf's post “is it reflection”
  (6 votes)
Ebiuwa
Posted 4 months ago. Direct link to Ebiuwa's post “_*For people who don't un...”
For people who don't understand the concept of Transmission and Refraction:

Medium: An object that a wave can travel through

Transmission: When a wave (like light) travels through a medium.

Light waves travel through EMs, or electromagnetic fields. Mechanical waves, like water, can travel through physical mediums, like a sound wave can travel through a wall or door.
NOT ALL WAVES CAN TRAVEL THROUGH THE SAME (OR SAME TYPES) OF MEDIUMS.

Refraction: When a medium denser (heavier) then air bends light.
Example: Water is denser than air, so if you put something in a glass of water, it will appear bent below the water.
Button navigates to signup pageComment on Ebiuwa's post “_*For people who don't un...”
(15 votes)
Answer
- zekriazainab
  Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to zekriazainab's post “thanks meduim explanation...”
  thanks meduim explanation clear everything
  Button navigates to signup page
  (1 vote)
bcaskins
Posted a year ago. Direct link to bcaskins's post “Why water?”
Why water?
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(7 votes)
Answer
- saraliusnakessssssssss
  Posted a year ago. Direct link to saraliusnakessssssssss's post “Because it's accessible a...”
  Because it's accessible and the situation is relatable, and water is indeed another medium.
  Comment on saraliusnakessssssssss's post “Because it's accessible a...”
  (15 votes)
IsabellaH
Posted a year ago. Direct link to IsabellaH's post “Why doesn’t the line stay...”
Why doesn’t the line stay straight?
Button navigates to signup pageComment on IsabellaH's post “Why doesn’t the line stay...”
(8 votes)
Answer
- I love Isabelle
  Posted a year ago. Direct link to I love Isabelle's post “Because the line is refra...”
  Because the line is refracted.
  Button navigates to signup page
  (3 votes)
6ProUp4 #icicle #AviconazulForever
Posted 2 years ago. Direct link to 6ProUp4 #icicle #AviconazulForever's post “Is there a way to know ho...”
Is there a way to know how much refraction will happen?
Button navigates to signup pageComment on 6ProUp4 #icicle #AviconazulForever's post “Is there a way to know ho...”
(5 votes)
Answer
- Paw.Labs
  Posted a year ago. Direct link to Paw.Labs's post “Kind of. Different object...”
  Kind of. Different objects have different levels/rates of refraction. The density on the object can also help determine it.
  Comment on Paw.Labs's post “Kind of. Different object...”
  (2 votes)
Michael Littlejohn
Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to Michael Littlejohn's post “why does light even exist...”
why does light even exist.
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(7 votes)
Answer
- cpi6
  Posted 2 months ago. Direct link to cpi6's post “Because God thought light...”
  Because God thought light was good, so he said "Let there be light", and then there was light!
  Button navigates to signup page
  (3 votes)
bella
Posted a year ago. Direct link to bella's post “Different materials have ...”
Different materials have different rates of refraction based on the density of an object.
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(8 votes)
Answer
JohnC
Posted a year ago. Direct link to JohnC's post “How much refraction can h...”
How much refraction can happen at once?
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(6 votes)
Answer
- ✨KitKat✨
  Posted 5 months ago. Direct link to ✨KitKat✨'s post “As much as you can fit in...”
  As much as you can fit in the glass.
  Button navigates to signup page
  (2 votes)
chrisalei.benson
Posted a year ago. Direct link to chrisalei.benson's post “are waves caused by refle...”
are waves caused by reflection or from whats in the water or because of its surrounding
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(6 votes)
Answer
hezekiah walker
Posted a year ago. Direct link to hezekiah walker's post “What if their isn’t a wav...”
What if their isn’t a wave
Button navigates to signup pageButton navigates to signup page
(6 votes)
Answer