Question

A ray of light in air is approaching the boundary with water at an angle of 52 degrees. Determine the angle of refraction of the light ray. (Refractive index of water = 1.33)

Answer 1

A light ray from the air enters the water surface making an angle of 52 degree.

This is the angle of incidence.

Also, refractive index of water is 1.33

From Snell's law,

Sin i = (n2/n1)Sin r

Here, Sin i is angle of incidence.

Sin r is angle of refraction

n2 is refractive index of water

n1 is refractive index of air

Refractive index of air is 1

Substituting the values,

Sin 52 degree =(1.33/1) Sin r

0.788/1.33 = Sin r

0.592 = Sin r

r= sin inverse (0.592)

r=36.29 degree

Thus, the angle of refraction is 36.29 degree.