Which Ray Will Reach the Second Plane First?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison of two light rays, P and Q, as they travel from one plane to another parallel plane. Ray P, which passes through a medium with a higher refractive index than air, refracts and travels a shorter distance but at a slower speed compared to Ray Q. Applying Snell's Law confirms that Ray P will always be slower than Ray Q, particularly at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. The conclusion drawn is that despite the shorter path, Ray P's speed is insufficient to reach the second plane before Ray Q.

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In the diagram, there are two light rays that start from the same plane and fall on another plane which is parallel to the first one. The light ray P goes through a medium of higher refractive index than vacuum/air and refracts. So, which one of them will reach the second plane first? Ray P will travel a shorter distance compared to Q but will be slower than Q.
 

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Apply Snell's law to find the path length. Then find the transit time. Just go through the exercise.
You could start with A=0...
 
sophiecentaur said:
Apply Snell's law to find the path length. Then find the transit time. Just go through the exercise.
You could start with A=0...

I used the refractive medium as a glass slab, and used 30 deg as angle A(see the attachment).

Conclusion: P is slower than Q at 30 deg.

I think P will always be slower than Q.
 

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