Geometrical Optics: Understanding the World Through Rays

Geometrical optics is one of the most intuitive and fundamental branches of optics. Instead of treating light as a complex electromagnetic wave, it simplifies light into “rays.” These rays travel in straight lines, reflect from mirrors, and refract when entering different media. Because this model is simple and powerful, it helps us explain many familiar phenomena: Why do mirrors form images? Why does a chopstick look bent in water? How does a magnifying glass enlarge text? How does a camera lens create a sharp photograph?

2026-05-20