Introduction

Wave refraction is a key concept in physics and can be defined as the phenomenon that occurs when a wave passes from one medium to another, causing a change in its speed and, consequently, a deviation in its propagation direction.

This phenomenon can be observed in our daily lives, for example, when a pencil is inserted into a glass of water. When we look at the pencil, it appears broken at the point where the water meets the air. This effect is caused precisely by the refraction of light.

Refraction is mathematically described by Snell's Law (also known as the law of refraction), which relates the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction to the speed of light in the two media.

Context

In an increasingly technology-dependent world, light refraction is a physics concept with countless practical applications. The lenses of glasses and cameras, microscopes, telescopes, the optical fiber used in telecommunications, even the rainbows we see after the rain are examples of phenomena or technologies that involve light refraction.

A solid understanding of refraction is essential for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). But even for those who do not plan to pursue these areas, refraction is an important part of how we perceive and interact with the world around us.

Practical Activity

Activity Title: Investigating Light Refraction

Project Objective

The objective of this project is to allow students to explore the phenomenon of light refraction in a practical way, observe the change in the direction of a light wave as it passes from one medium to another, and apply Snell's Law to calculate the value of the angle of refraction.

Students will work in groups of 3 to 5 people, and the project should take a total of two to four hours per participating student to be executed. The total project delivery time is one week.

Detailed Project Description

Students will conduct a practical experiment, where they will investigate light refraction using simple materials such as a transparent container, a laser or flashlight, and graph paper. They will observe how light behaves when passing from one medium to another (from air to water, for example) and measure the angle of refraction.

After conducting the experiment, they should produce a detailed report describing the experiment, the refraction concepts involved, the observations made, the calculations performed, as well as their conclusions about the phenomenon of light refraction.

Required Materials

1. A transparent container (can be a glass or a cake pan, for example)
2. Water
3. Graph paper or a protractor
4. Pencil or pen
5. Laser or flashlight (preferably a laser, but a flashlight can work if the environment is very dark)

Step-by-Step Activity Execution

1. Experiment Preparation

   1.1. Place the transparent container on the graph paper.

   1.2. Fill the container with water.

2. Experiment Execution

   2.1. Direct the laser to the container so that the light beam passes through the water.

   2.2. Observe the change in the direction of the light beam as it passes from air to water - this is the refraction phenomenon you are investigating.

   2.3. Using the graph paper (or protractor), measure the angle of incidence (the angle between the incident beam and the normal line to the surface at the point of incidence) and the angle of refraction (the angle between the refracted beam and the normal line).

3. Results Interpretation

   3.1. Use Snell's Law to calculate the expected value of the angle of refraction.

   3.2. Compare the measured value of the angle of refraction with the calculated value. Discuss possible reasons for any observed discrepancies.

Project Delivery

After conducting the experiment, groups should produce a report detailing the entire process. The report should include the following sections:

1. Introduction: Provide context for the project, explain why light refraction is important and relevant, and what the project aimed to investigate.

2. Development: Here, students should describe the entire experimental procedure: the materials used, the step-by-step activities performed, and the observations made. They should also explain the theory of light refraction and Snell's Law, and how it applies to the results obtained.

3. Conclusions: Write your conclusions about this experience. What was learned? How do the results connect with the theory? What were the difficulties and how were they overcome?

4. Bibliography: List all sources consulted during the project development, including books, scientific websites, videos, among others that were useful for understanding the studied phenomenon.

Remember, the report should be well-organized, clear, and detailed. All activities carried out should be explained and documented. The report is a fundamental part of the project, as it allows not only to assess the acquired knowledge but also the ability of written communication and teamwork.