Light Refraction – Arrow Changes Direction

An arrow drawn on paper appears to change direction when viewed through a water-filled glass. This effect occurs because light bends, or refracts, as it passes through different mediums.

1. Draw two arrows on a sheet of paper, both pointing in the same direction—one near the top and one near the bottom.
2. Fill a clear glass with water.
3. Slowly lower the paper behind the glass of water.
4. Look through the glass and observe how the arrows appear to flip direction.

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• Test with different drawings (letters, numbers, or symbols) to see how they distort through the water. Words with symmetrical letters such as “TITANIUM DIOXIDE” on their side show normally.
• Place the paper at varying distances behind the glass to explore the point at which the arrow appears to flip.

• Handle the glass carefully to avoid spills or breakage.
• Clean up any spilled water promptly to prevent slipping.

• Why does the arrow appear to change direction?
• How does the shape of the glass affect the results?
• What real-world examples of refraction can you think of (e.g., lenses, rainbows, straws in water)?
• How does the speed of light in air, water, and glass explain this effect?