A light ray in air (n = 1.00) strikes a flat surface of a transparent material at an angle of incidence of 45°. The angle of refraction in the material is 30°. What is the refractive index of the material? (Use sin 45° = 0.707 and sin 30° = 0.500)
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Correct answer
B. 1.41
Principle or equation
Snell's law: n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2.
Why this answer is correct
n2 = n1 sin θ1 / sin θ2 = (1.00 × 0.707) / 0.500 = 1.41.
Example
If θ1 = 60° and θ2 = 35°, n2 = (1.00 × 0.866) / 0.574 = 1.51.
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