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Reviewed CSCA Physics question · Standard

Light enters a glass block (n = 1.5) from air (n = 1.0) at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees. What is the angle of refraction? (sin 30 = 0.5, sin 19.5 = 0.333)

  1. 19.5 degrees
  2. 30 degrees
  3. 45 degrees
  4. 60 degrees
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer

A. 19.5 degrees

Principle or equation

Snell's law: n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2.

Why this answer is correct

1.0 * sin 30 = 1.5 * sin θ2 => sin θ2 = 0.5/1.5 = 0.333, so θ2 = 19.5 degrees.

Example

For n2=1.33 (water) and θ1=45, sin θ2 = sin45/1.33 ≈ 0.532, θ2≈32.1 degrees.

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