How can we explain the refraction of light at an atomic scale?

Refraction of light can be explained on an atomic level as follows. Atoms are comprised of electrons and protons. Both are charged particles and can therefore be moved by electromagnetic waves (light). read more

Refraction of light can be explained on an atomic level as follows. Atoms are comprised of electrons and protons. Both are charged particles and can therefore be moved by electromagnetic waves (light). As protons are very heavy the effect is only significant for electrons, which are much lighter. read more

Light goes in, oscillates the atomic dipoles (polarization) in the glass (being insulator, it has dipoles) which in turn causes the dipoles to emit an electromagnetic radiation which has experienced of same frequency but with some phase shift ($\pi/2$) relative to that of incoming wave, that causes it to lag behind. read more