Question

Light traveling in a vacuum (n1 = 1) encounters a boundary with a material of index n2 = 1.5. If the light strikes the boundary at an angle of incidence of 30o, what is the angle of refraction (in degrees)? You may use your software if needed.

Answer 1

The angle of refraction is 19.5⁰

Step-by-step explanation:

Given;

refractive index of the vacuum, n₁ = 1

refractive index of the material, n₂ = 1.5

angle of incidence of, θ₁ = 30⁰

Apply Snell's law

n₁Sinθ₂ = n₂Sinθ₂

(1)Sin 30⁰ = 1.5Sinθ₂

(1)(0.5) = 1.5Sinθ₂

0.5 = 1.5Sinθ₂

Sinθ₂ = 0.5 / 1.5

Sinθ₂ = 0.3333

θ₂ = Sin⁻¹(0.3333)

θ₂ = 19.5⁰

Therefore, the angle of refraction is 19.5⁰