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VCE Stuff => VCE Science => VCE Mathematics/Science/Technology => VCE Subjects + Help => VCE Physics => Topic started by: Tomanomanous on October 24, 2011, 08:16:41 pm

Title: Snell's Law & Refraction Help
Post by: Tomanomanous on October 24, 2011, 08:16:41 pm

I came across this question in the Heinemann Physics book and it has confused me, any help? :)

Light travels from water (n = 1.33) into glass (n = 1.60). The incident angle is 44°. Calculate the angle of refraction.

The textbook says the answer is 35°. Can someone please explain to me how they got it? It'd be much appreciated! :) Thank you!

Title: Re: Snell's Law & Refraction Help
Post by: b^3 on October 24, 2011, 08:25:51 pm

Note x is just replacing theta.

n₁sin(x₁)=n₂sin(x₂)
n₁= refrative index of incident = 1.33
n₂= refrative index of reflected = 1.44
x₁=44
x₂=?
1.33sin(44)=1.6sin(x)
x=sin^-1(1.33sin(44)/1.6) **remember calc in degress mode
x=35.26 degress

Title: Re: Snell's Law & Refraction Help
Post by: Tomanomanous on October 24, 2011, 08:30:42 pm

Thank you so much, oh my lord! Ahahahaha
n1sin(x1)=n2sin(x2) wasn't in the textbook (really says something about how much I think outside the box, xD)

but yeah. Sin i/Sin r was there, thank you! :)