Answer: Solve Angle of Refraction in Equilateral Glass Prism (n = 1.35)

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The discussion focuses on calculating the angle of refraction for a laser beam passing through an equilateral glass prism with a refractive index (n) of 1.35. The correct approach involves applying Snell's Law, specifically using the formula sin(theta) = n2/n1, to determine the angles at both refraction points. The geometry of the equilateral triangle formed within the prism is crucial for visualizing the path of the light. The user acknowledges confusion regarding the two refraction events occurring as the light enters and exits the prism.

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A laser beam enters one of the sloping faces of the equilateral glass prism (n = 1.35) in the figure and refracts through the prism. Within the prism the light travels horizontally. What is the angle between the direction of the incident ray and the direction of the outgoing ray?

I tried using sin theta = n2/n1 to figure out the angle, b/c the path of the beam creates an equilateral triangle in the middle of the prism, but I think that I was just going about that wrong.
 
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There are two refractions
 

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