Why is Refracted Angle > Incident Angle?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of light as it transitions from a denser medium to a less dense medium, specifically addressing why the refracted angle is greater than the incident angle. The subject area includes optics and the principles of refraction, particularly Snell's law.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express curiosity about the relationship between the refracted and incident angles, questioning the underlying reasons for the observed behavior. Some mention the changes in velocity, wavelength, and frequency of light as it passes through different media. Others suggest visualizing the wavefronts to better understand the bending of light.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring various explanations and interpretations of Snell's law. There is acknowledgment of mathematical understanding, but some seek alternative conceptual explanations. Guidance on visualizing wavefronts has been suggested, indicating a productive direction in the conversation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the depth of exploration into the topic. There is a focus on understanding rather than deriving final equations or solutions.

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Why is it that the refracted angle > the incident when light moves from a more dense material to a less dense?

Is there any way to explain why the angle would be greater?

I know the velocity would increase.
wavelength increases.
Frequency remains the same.
Correct?
 
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Dunkaroos said:
Why is it that the refracted angle > the incident when light moves from a more dense material to a less dense?

Is there any way to explain why the angle would be greater?
Are you familiar with Snell's law?

I know the velocity would increase.
wavelength increases.
Frequency remains the same.
Correct?
Correct.
 
And as you look at the explanation of Snell's law, think about how the shape of the light wavefront changes as it hits the boundary at an angle. Make a sketch of the wavefront as it changes directions at the boundary, and be accurate in your representation of the change in wavelength near the boundary on both sides...
 
I understand it matematically but Snell's law but is there another way to explain it?
 
Berkeman was simply referring to the derivetion of Snell's law , not the final eqn.
Using Huygens constructions for wavefronts, one can clearly see why the ray bends towards the normal ( since frequenc
y is conserved in both mediums).
 

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