How To Calculate Refraction Angle

Snell's Law:

\[ \sin(\theta_2) = \frac{n_1}{n_2} \sin(\theta_1) \]

Angle θ2:

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1. What is Snell's Law?

Snell's Law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light passes through the boundary between two different isotropic media. It's fundamental in optics and wave physics.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Snell's Law equation:

\[ \sin(\theta_2) = \frac{n_1}{n_2} \sin(\theta_1) \]

Where:

\( \theta_1 \) — Angle of incidence (degrees)
\( \theta_2 \) — Angle of refraction (degrees)
\( n_1 \) — Refractive index of first medium
\( n_2 \) — Refractive index of second medium

Explanation: The law states that the ratio of the sines of the angles of incidence and refraction is equal to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two media.

3. Importance of Refraction Angle Calculation

Details: Calculating refraction angles is crucial for lens design, fiber optics, prism applications, understanding atmospheric phenomena, and various optical instruments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter refractive indices (n1 and n2) as dimensionless values, and the incident angle θ1 in degrees (0-90°). All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is total internal reflection?
A: When light travels from a medium with higher refractive index to one with lower refractive index at an angle greater than the critical angle, all light is reflected back into the first medium.

Q2: What are typical refractive index values?
A: Air: ~1.0003, Water: ~1.33, Glass: ~1.5-1.9, Diamond: ~2.42. Values vary with wavelength and temperature.

Q3: Does Snell's Law apply to all types of waves?
A: Yes, Snell's Law applies to all electromagnetic waves and other wave phenomena like sound waves when they cross boundaries between different media.

Q4: What is the critical angle?
A: The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs. It's calculated as: θ_c = arcsin(n2/n1) when n1 > n2.

Q5: How does wavelength affect refraction?
A: Different wavelengths refract at slightly different angles due to dispersion (wavelength-dependent refractive index), causing phenomena like rainbow formation.