eBook
Physics Classroom

The Physics Classroom: Refraction and Ray Model of Light: The Critical Angle

For Students 9th - 10th
Illustrated examples and interactive practice problems that introduce students to the concept of the critical angle, the angle of incidence that provides an angle of refraction of 90-degrees.
Activity
Exploratorium

Exploratorium: Critical Angle

For Students 3rd - 8th
Students can see light reflected and refracted in this demonstration. They will also discover the total internal reflection of light.
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Total Internal Reflection

For Students 9th - 10th
This physics department site provides a definition and explanation of the phenomenon of total internal reflection. Includes a diagram and an equation for calculating the critical angle for light approaching a surface.
Handout
Georgia State University

Georgia State University: Hyper Physics: Reflection and Refraction

For Students 9th - 10th
Reflection and refraction are explained with an experiment that uses a sheet of paper, cardboard, and other common materials.
Handout
Boston University

Bu: Optics: Geometric Optics

For Students 9th - 10th
Several short descriptions of demonstrations which illustrate principles of geometric optics (many of which focus upon refraction).
Unit Plan
BBC

Bbc: Gcse Bitesize: Why Do Scientists Think That Light and Sound Are Waves?

For Students 9th - 10th
Light travels as transverse waves and can travel through a vacuum. Sound travels as longitudinal waves and needs to travel through a solid, liquid or gas. Read about the properties of light and of sound, and learn the differences between...