![Refraction](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/header-graphic---refraction/5416746-1-eng-US/header-graphic---refraction_full_495.gif 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/header-graphic---refraction/5416746-1-eng-US/header-graphic---refraction_full_990.gif 543w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/header-graphic---refraction/5416746-1-eng-US/header-graphic---refraction_full_1468.gif 543w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/header-graphic---refraction/5416746-1-eng-US/header-graphic---refraction_full_1980.gif 543w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/header-graphic---refraction/5416746-1-eng-US/header-graphic---refraction_full_2475.gif 543w)
![the straw above the water line doesn't match up visually with the straw below the water line and therefore appears broken](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/broken-straw/5419495-3-eng-US/broken-straw_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/broken-straw/5419495-3-eng-US/broken-straw_full_990.jpg 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/broken-straw/5419495-3-eng-US/broken-straw_full_1468.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/broken-straw/5419495-3-eng-US/broken-straw_full_1980.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/broken-straw/5419495-3-eng-US/broken-straw_full_2475.jpg 1000w)
The speed of light isn't always the same. It actually slows down when it moves through some transparent materials, like glass or water. When light slows down, it changes direction. This "refraction" of light is the reason a straw in water looks bent or broken and why objects viewed through a glass bottle appear distorted.
![magnifying glass making things flowers larger than they are](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/magnifying-glass/5419491-2-eng-US/magnifying-glass_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/magnifying-glass/5419491-2-eng-US/magnifying-glass_full_990.jpg 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/magnifying-glass/5419491-2-eng-US/magnifying-glass_full_1468.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/magnifying-glass/5419491-2-eng-US/magnifying-glass_full_1980.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/magnifying-glass/5419491-2-eng-US/magnifying-glass_full_2475.jpg 1000w)
In the same way light reflects differently off different surfaces, it also refracts differently depending on the shape of the material. This can make refraction very useful. For example, the curve of eyeglasses directs light rays into the eyes more effectively. Magnifying lenses also use refraction: the convex lens bends the light rays so the image appears larger.
What You'll Need
![mirror, comb, flashlight, various bottles of liquids needed](/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/materials-for-refraction/5419322-1-eng-US/materials-for-refraction_full_495.jpg 495w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/materials-for-refraction/5419322-1-eng-US/materials-for-refraction_full_990.jpg 990w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/materials-for-refraction/5419322-1-eng-US/materials-for-refraction_full_1468.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/materials-for-refraction/5419322-1-eng-US/materials-for-refraction_full_1980.jpg 1000w,/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/media/amnh/images/explore/ology-images/physics/see-the-light/materials-for-refraction/5419322-1-eng-US/materials-for-refraction_full_2475.jpg 1000w)
- 1 flashlight
- 1 wide-toothed comb
- 2 clear bottles or glasses
- Water
- Cooking oil
- Construction paper (optional)
What To Do
Try This!
Image Credits:
Magnifying glass by Jade87 from Pixabay; all other images, courtesy of AMNH