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GCSE Biology · key term
The bending of light as it passes between materials, such as air and the cornea.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.5.2.3 · Paper 2
The bending of light as it passes between materials, such as into or out of the lens.
The bending of light as it passes between materials; lenses use this to change where light rays come to a focus.
Specification 2.15B, 2.16B · Paper 1
The bending of light as it passes between materials in which it travels at different speeds.
Revise: Structure and Function of the EyeThe cornea therefore begins the refraction, while the adjustable lens increases or decreases the convergence needed to bring the image into precise focus on the retina.
The bending of light as it passes from one material into another, such as when it enters the cornea.
Specification B3.1d, B3.1e · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
The change in direction of light as it passes between materials, such as from air into the cornea.
Revise: The eyeThe cornea is the transparent, curved covering at the front of the eye. Its curved surface refracts—bends—incoming light and begins directing it towards the retina. Its shape is fixed, so it provides a largely fixed amount of refraction.
The change in direction of light as it passes between materials, such as air and a lens.
Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)
Revise: The EyeThe cornea provides much of the eye’s refraction. The lens changes shape to adjust the focus when you look at objects at different distances. This adjustment is called accommodation.
For each distance, link all four stages: ciliary muscles → suspensory ligaments → lens shape → amount of refraction.
For accommodation, give the complete sequence: ciliary muscles → suspensory ligaments → lens shape → amount of refraction.
Keep near and distant focusing distinct: a near object requires a thicker lens and greater refraction; a distant object requires a thinner lens and less refraction.
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