179k views
1 vote
How do I find N1 usings snell's law?
N1=? Theta1=40° N2=2.61 Theta=34°

User Villaa
by
7.5k points

2 Answers

5 votes

Final answer:

To find n₁ using Snell's law, we can rearrange the equation and plug in the given values: n₁ = (n₂ sin θ₂) / sin θ₁. Substituting the given values, n₁ ≈ 1.875.

Step-by-step explanation:

Snell's law states the relationship between angles and indices of refraction. It is given by n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂. From the given information, n₁=1.00, θ₁=40°, n₂=2.61, and θ₂=34°. Plugging in these values into Snell's law, we can find n₁ by rearranging the equation:

n₁ = (n₂ sin θ₂) / sin θ₁

Substituting the values:

n₁ = (2.61 sin(34°)) / sin(40°) ≈ 1.875

User Stefan Repcek
by
7.8k points
3 votes

Answer:

To use Snell's law to find N1, we need to know the indices of refraction and angles of incidence and refraction of the two media.

Snell's law states that:

n1 sin(theta1) = n2 sin(theta2)

where n1 and n2 are the indices of refraction of the two media, theta1 is the angle of incidence, and theta2 is the angle of refraction.

We are given n2=2.61, theta1=40°, and theta2=34°. To find N1, we need to rearrange Snell's law to solve for n1:

n1 = n2 sin(theta2) / sin(theta1)

Plugging in the values we have:

n1 = 2.61 sin(34°) / sin(40°)

n1 ≈ 2.22

Therefore, the index of refraction of the first medium (N1) is approximately 2.22, based on the given values and Snell's law.

User Rachie
by
7.8k points