What happens if Snell's law gives sin θ > 1?

[MHD93]

Hi people..

Snell's law reads sinθ = (v2/v1)sinβ

Suppose that v2/v1 > 1, then we can make sinβ as close to 1 as we like, even close enough to make sinθ>1 as Snell's law states.

So what's wrong?

 

[tiny-tim]

Hi Mohammad_93!

(try using the X₂ button just above the Reply box )

Suppose that v₂/v₁ > 1, then we can make sinβ as close to 1 as we like, even close enough to make sinθ>1 as Snell's law states.

So what's wrong?

In that case, θ does not exist, and there is total internal reflection.

 

[truesearch]

Try to be consistent with your notation.
Snells law is written as
Sinia/Sinib = va/vb