A light ray strikes a glass surface at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. If t

A light ray strikes a glass surface at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, what is the angle of refraction?

A light ray strikes a glass surface at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. If the refractive index of glass is 1.5, what is the angle of refraction?

Step 1: Identify the angle of incidence (θ1), which is given as 30 degrees.
Step 2: Identify the refractive index of air (n1), which is approximately 1.
Step 3: Identify the refractive index of glass (n2), which is given as 1.5.
Step 4: Write down Snell's law formula: n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2).
Step 5: Substitute the known values into the formula: 1 * sin(30 degrees) = 1.5 * sin(θ2).
Step 6: Calculate sin(30 degrees), which is 0.5.
Step 7: Now the equation looks like this: 1 * 0.5 = 1.5 * sin(θ2).
Step 8: Simplify the equation: 0.5 = 1.5 * sin(θ2).
Step 9: To find sin(θ2), divide both sides by 1.5: sin(θ2) = 0.5 / 1.5.
Step 10: Calculate 0.5 / 1.5, which equals 1/3.
Step 11: Now, find θ2 by taking the inverse sine (arcsin) of 1/3.
Step 12: Calculate θ2, which is approximately 20 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.