Refraction using Snell's law - critical angles

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
2 replies · 2K views
jsalapide
Messages
39
Reaction score
0
Is it possible for the critical angle to exist when light goes from water (n=1.33) into glass (n=1.5)?

I solved this using snell's law.

and my answer is no..
because glass has greater refraction index than water. And when you use snell's law and solve for the critical angle, there will be no value.

is my answer right?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


jsalapide said:
Is it possible for the critical angle to exist when light goes from water (n=1.33) into glass (n=1.5)?

I solved this using snell's law.

and my answer is no..
because glass has greater refraction index than water. And when you use snell's law and solve for the critical angle, there will be no value.

is my answer right?

You are right.
 


yes, there is TIR only on going from denser to a rarer medium. your calculation is right.