A light ray enters a glass prism with a refractive index of 1.5. If the angle of

A light ray enters a glass prism with a refractive index of 1.5. If the angle of incidence is 30 degrees, what is the angle of refraction?

A light ray enters a glass prism with a refractive index of 1.5. If the angle of incidence is 30 degrees, what is the angle of refraction?

Step 1: Identify the refractive indices. The refractive index of air (n1) is approximately 1.0, and the refractive index of the glass prism (n2) is 1.5.
Step 2: Write down Snell's law formula: n1 * sin(i) = n2 * sin(r).
Step 3: Substitute the known values into the formula. Here, n1 = 1.0, n2 = 1.5, and the angle of incidence (i) = 30 degrees.
Step 4: Calculate sin(i). Find sin(30 degrees), which is 0.5.
Step 5: Substitute sin(i) into the equation: 1.0 * 0.5 = 1.5 * sin(r).
Step 6: Simplify the equation: 0.5 = 1.5 * sin(r).
Step 7: Solve for sin(r) by dividing both sides by 1.5: sin(r) = 0.5 / 1.5.
Step 8: Calculate sin(r): sin(r) = 0.3333 (approximately).
Step 9: Find the angle r by taking the inverse sine (arcsin) of 0.3333.
Step 10: Calculate r, which gives approximately 19.2 degrees.

Refraction – The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index.
Snell's Law – A formula used to describe the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light passes between two different media.
Refractive Index – A dimensionless number that describes how fast light travels in a medium compared to vacuum.