Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

In what context is refraction most commonly observed in everyday life?

1. Listening to music

2. Ripple effects in water

3. Seeing a straw appear bent in a glass of water

4. Watching objects in motion

The correct answer is: Seeing a straw appear bent in a glass of water

Refraction is a phenomenon that occurs when light passes from one medium to another, causing it to change speed and direction. This change results in the optical illusion that an object is displaced from its actual position. One of the most relatable examples of refraction in everyday life is the appearance of a straw in a glass of water. When light travels from air (a less dense medium) into water (a denser medium), it bends. The bending of light makes the straw appear bent or broken at the surface of the water, even though it is straight in reality. This optical effect is easily observable and commonly encountered in various contexts, such as when drinking beverages through a straw in a glass. It serves as a direct and visual demonstration of how light’s behavior changes in different media, making it a strong and familiar illustration of refraction that many people have experienced. Other options may involve different physical phenomena or sensory experiences that don’t effectively illustrate the concept of refraction. Listening to music pertains to sound waves, ripple effects are related to water dynamics rather than light, and watching objects in motion does not necessarily involve the bending of light. Therefore, the observation of a straw appearing bent in a glass of water stands out as the most common and relatable example