What is the name of the phenomenon where light bends when it passes through different mediums?

The phenomenon where light bends when it passes through different mediums is known as refraction. This occurs because light travels at different speeds in different materials. For example, when light moves from air into water, it slows down and changes direction, which is the bending effect that we observe. This bending is significant in various applications, such as lenses in glasses or cameras, where controlling the path of light is essential for clarity and focus.

Refraction plays a crucial role in our understanding of optics and helps explain various optical effects, such as the way a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water. This fundamental concept illustrates how light behaves under differing conditions, making it an important topic in physics and science education.