What is Snell's Law and How is it Used?

  • Thread starter Thread starter grscott_2000
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Law Snell's law
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Snell's Law, defined by the equation sin i / sin r = n2/n1, describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction when light passes through different media. This law is fundamental in optics and is used to predict how light bends when entering a new medium. While the equation itself serves as the formal statement of Snell's Law, it encapsulates the principles of refraction and the behavior of light. Applications of Snell's Law include lens design, optical fiber technology, and various fields of physics and engineering.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles
  • Familiarity with the concepts of angle of incidence and angle of refraction
  • Knowledge of refractive indices of different materials
  • Basic mathematical skills for manipulating equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the applications of Snell's Law in optical fiber technology
  • Explore the derivation of Snell's Law from wave theory
  • Learn about the refractive indices of common materials
  • Investigate the role of Snell's Law in lens design and optical systems
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior and refraction.

grscott_2000
Messages
48
Reaction score
0
I have been asked to "state snells law"

I know the equation is

sin i / sin r = n2/n1

And I know how to use it...

But is there a written law for this that I'm missing? (As in Newtons third law of motion states that...?)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
well explain in words what is happening when you use Snells law. And maybe some applications of it.
 
I don't know the full context of your question, but why wouldn't giving an equation be a form of "stating" a physical law? Assuming that you've defined the symbols used.
 
I was just wondering if there was a formal statement that I was missing here. My textbooks indicate that the equation is the law, but you're right, there's nothing wrong with giving it in that form. As usual, many thanks.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
710
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
954
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
2K