Refraction of Light It has been observed since ancient times that light refracts, or “bends,” as it travels from one medium to another (from air to water, for example). If v1, is the speed of light in one medium and v2 is its speed in another medium, then according to Snell’s Law,
where θ1 is the angle of incidence and θ2 is the angle of refraction (see the figure). The number v1/v2 is called the index of refraction. The index of refraction for several substances is given in the table.
If a ray of light passes through the surface of a lake at an angle of incidence of 70°, what is the angle of refraction?
Substance | Refraction from air to substance |
Water | 1.33 |
Alcohol | 1.36 |
Glass | 1.52 |
Diamond | 2.41 |
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