OP - Bending and Reflecting Light - Week 2

Question 1

Define Snells Law.

Answer 1

Path taken by light must have the least travel time.
Equation is:
n sin(i) = n’ sin(i’)

Question 2

What is a rule of thumb using Snells law and light angles?

Answer 2

If n’>n, then i’<i></i>

Question 3

What is the critical angle? Define the equation. When can this only occur?

Answer 3

Angle at which refracted angle is 90 degrees.
i = sin^-1(n’/n)
Only occurs when n’

Question 4

What happens to refraction if the angle is greater than the critical angle?

Answer 4

Light is internally refracted.