Refraction at Media Boundaries | GCSE Physics

A set of GCSE Physics diagrams illustrating how light changes direction when passing between media with different optical densities, including refraction towards the normal, away from the normal, and no change in direction.

These diagrams compare how the direction of a light ray changes as it crosses a boundary between media. Transparent-background downloads make them easy to incorporate into presentations, worksheets and other teaching materials.

Flexible for teaching and assessment

Six versions included

• Optically denser medium | colour

• Optically denser medium | printable

• Optically less dense medium | colour

• Optically less dense medium | printable

• Optically identical medium | colour

• Optically identical medium | printable

The diagrams can be used to explain refraction, compare the behaviour of light in different media, and support student practice questions. The high-contrast greyscale versions are designed specifically for printing and photocopying, while the colour versions work well for presentations, digital resources and classroom displays.

Relevant curriculum topics

• Light

• Refraction

• Optical density

• Ray diagrams

• Angles of incidence and refraction

• Changes in the direction of light

Available in the SciPics library

These visuals are now available to SciPics subscribers, along with the full, growing collection of transparent scientific diagrams and illustrations covering Biology, Chemistry, Physics and General Science.

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