BBC Teach > Secondary Resources > KS3 Physics / GCSE Physics > Physics Bites

Science presenter Jon Chase explains the refraction of light.

He demonstrates how refraction can make the handle of a Pyrex jug seemingly disappear. He explains this is because when light travels through two substances with different refractive indexes, it changes direction at the boundary.

Your class could investigate refraction using ray boxes and blocks of Perspex or glass.

The demonstration in this short film could be repeated using vegetable oil and Pyrex, including laboratory glassware. It is most impressive when repeated using a very large beaker and a smaller beaker.

This short film will be relevant for teaching physics and science in general at KS3 and KS4 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and National 4/5 in Scotland.

Jon Chase describes Aristotle’s and Galileo’s theories about falling bodies.

Science presenter Jon Chase explains Newton’s third law.

Jon Chase explains radioactive decay.

Jon Chase explains total internal reflection.