Angle of incidence, angle of refraction and angle of reflection

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the identification of the angle of incidence, angle of refraction, and angle of reflection in a light ray scenario involving two transparent materials. The angle of incidence is designated as B, while the angle of reflection is identified as F. The participant expresses uncertainty regarding the angle of refraction and seeks clarification on the orientation of the surface between the materials. The relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of reflection is also highlighted, confirming that they are equal according to the law of reflection.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, including light behavior at interfaces.
  • Familiarity with the law of reflection.
  • Knowledge of Snell's Law for refraction.
  • Ability to interpret diagrams of light rays and angles.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Snell's Law and its application in calculating angles of refraction.
  • Review the principles of light reflection and refraction in different materials.
  • Examine practical examples of light behavior at interfaces in physics textbooks.
  • Practice solving problems involving angles of incidence, reflection, and refraction using diagrams.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators looking for clear explanations of light behavior at material boundaries.

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Homework Statement


A light ray strikes the surface between two transparent materials as shown. Each angle is labeled with a letter. Give the letters for the angle of incidence, angle of refraction and angle of reflection, in that order


Homework Equations



http://capa-new.colorado.edu/teacher/capalibrary/Graphics/Gtype73/prob22v2.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I am pretty sure on the angle of incidence and reflection but not sure on refraction. I am pretty sure that the incidence would be B because we look for the arrow going into the the material and we just find the angle between this and the normal (and that is B). THe angle of reflection would be F, again because we find the arrow going out of the material and then take that and find the normal and take the angle between them (so F). But now for the angle of refraction I am unsure of
 
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What do you think the surface between the two materials is horizontal or vertical?
What do you know about the relation between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?

ehild
 

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