PDA

View Full Version : Light Refraction


bfr
Jun1-08, 02:09 PM
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A ray of light strikes a piece of glass (n=refraction index=1.5), making an angle of 30 degrees with the surface. What angle does the refracted ray make with the surface?

2. Relevant equations

Snell's Law: n1*sin(theta1)=n2*sin(theta2)

3. The attempt at a solution

We're only given one n...how do I do this?

DMac
Jun1-08, 02:22 PM
Is the question assuming that it's coming from air?

tiny-tim
Jun1-08, 02:22 PM
We're only given one n...how do I do this?

Hi bfr! :smile:

easy-peasy … you can assume that, for air (it is air, isnt it? :rolleyes:), n = 1. :smile:

bfr
Jun1-08, 02:57 PM
OK, I didn't know we're just supposed to assume that n=1, thanks.