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Snell's Law

Table of Contents

diagram

For light passing from one medium to another, the following is true:

$$n_1 \sin(\theta_1) = n_2 \sin(\theta_2)$$

Where:

  • \(n_1\) is the refractive index of the first medium
  • \(n_2\) is the refractive index of the second medium
  • \(\theta_1\) is the angle of incidence, and
  • \(\theta_2\) is the angle of refraction.

Notice that the angles are taken with respect to the normal to the surface of the media.

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