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Science Experiments

Light Refraction

Magic trick? The results of this experiment are pretty surprising. Kids (and adults) will stare in amazement and scratch their heads wondering what causes the arrow in this experiment to change direction right before their eyes!

Exploring refraction couldn’t be easier or more fun. Preview the experiment with our demonstration video below and find an easy to understand explanation of how it works below.

Light Refraction Experiment

 

Light Refraction Science Experiment Video


Light Refraction Science Experiment

Supplies Needed

  • Piece of Paper
  • Marker
  • Glass
  • Water

Experiment Instructions

Light Refraction Experiment - Step 1

Step 1 – Get a sheet of paper and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.

Light Refraction Experiment - Step 2

Step 2 – Fill a glass with water.

Light Refraction Experiment - Step 3

Step 3 – Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.

Light Refraction Experiment - Step 4

Step 4 – Look through the glass of water and watch what happens.

How Does the Experiment Work?

The scientific concept that is at work in this experiment is called refraction. Refraction is the bending of light. Refraction occurs when light travels from one medium to another (ie. air to water, water to air).

During the experiment, the light traveled from the image through the air, then through the glass cup into the water, and finally out of the glass cup and into the air once more before it reached our eyes. Light refracts as it passes from one medium to the next because it travels at different speeds through those mediums. Light travels fastest through air, a little slower through water, and even slower through glass.

This means that the light bends once when it travels through the glass cup into the water, and then it bends again when it travels out of the glass cup and into the air. As a result, the light paths cross and the image appears to be flipped horizontally (left/right).

I hope you enjoyed the experiment. Here are some printable instructions:

Light Refraction Experiment - Step 4

Light Refraction Science Experiment

Materials

  • Piece of Paper
  • Marker
  • Glass
  • Water

Instructions

  1. Get a sheet of paper, and draw two arrows on it. One arrow near the top and one arrow near the bottom. Make the arrows point in the same direction.
  2. Fill a glass with water.
  3. Slowly lower the piece of paper behind the glass of water.
  4. Look through the glass of water and watch what happens.
© Cool Science Experiments HQ
Why does the Arrow Change Direction Science Experiment Steps


6 Comments

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. cutiekitty says

    February 5, 2017 at 9:25 am

    THIS IS COOL. MY DAUGHTER WON THE SCHOOL WIDE SCIENCE PROJECT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS EXPERIMENT!

    Reply
  2. karen says

    April 20, 2018 at 3:07 pm

    Cause of the reflection of the water.

    Reply
    • typo says

      September 10, 2019 at 11:45 am

      *refraction

      Reply
  3. Matthias says

    May 23, 2018 at 7:33 am

    This is because of refraction

    Reply
  4. Jasmine jehi says

    January 22, 2019 at 3:42 am

    Wonderful. Thanks for sharing

    Reply
  5. Vandana Rai says

    May 29, 2019 at 8:03 am

    It was very useful and unique. It impressed my teacher a lot.

    Reply

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Safety is a priority with every science experiment. Before conducting any of the experiments found on CoolScienceExperimentsHQ.com you must get an adult's permission and help, follow the instructions provided as written and wear the appropriate safety gear (protective eyewear, clothing, etc). Have fun and stay safe!
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