Refraction of a wave at a plane boundary

Author:
Ray Tuck
  • The simulation represents waves passing from one medium to another. The angle between the wavefronts and the barrier can be changed using the α slider and the refractive index of the second medium may be altered using the n slider.
  • Tick Show angles to show incident and refracted rays, the normal and the angles of incidence and refraction.
  • The rays show the direction of travel of the wavefronts and are perpendicular to the wave fronts.
  • NOTE: In this simulation the wavefronts that are reflected at the boundary are NOT shown.