When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction

[zade70]

Homework Statement

When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction?

Homework Equations

sina/sinb=n2/n1

The Attempt at a Solution

I think as a=b => sina=sinb => n1=n2. We should have the same environment? But is that refraction?

 

[blue_leaf77]

At the interface of two different media, there is a certain angle of incidence where the incident ray just passes straight through. What is this angle?

 

[zade70]

At the interface of two different media, there is a certain angle of incidence where the incident ray just passes straight through. What is this angle?

when b= pi/2 rad. It is the limit angle for a. sina=n2/n1

 

[blue_leaf77]

when b= pi/2 rad. It is the limit angle for a. sina=n2/n1

No, that corresponds to critical angle refraction. It very simple, you have Snell's law $n_1 \sin a = n_2 \sin b$. Try to find a trivial angle $a=b$ which will make the left and right hand side of Snell's law equal irrespective of the refractive indices.

 

[zade70]

No, that corresponds to critical angle refraction. It very simple, you have Snell's law $n_1 \sin a = n_2 \sin b$. Try to find a trivial angle $a=b$ which will make the left and right hand side of Snell's law equal irrespective of the refractive indices.

a=b=0 rad? 0=0

 

[blue_leaf77]

Yes.