[Reflection and Refraction]

Topic Elements

Measurements and Standards
1-D Motion
Vectors
2-D Motion
Forces & Newton's Laws of Motion
Work & Energy
Momentum (& Conservation)
Rotational Motion
Thermodynamics
Vibrations & Waves
Sound
Electric Force & Fields
Capacitance &
Direct Current Circuits
Magnetism
Reflection & Refraction

Review Material

Questions


Formulas
Calculator
Reflection

Rule of thumb: The angle of incidence of light is equal to the angle of reflection.

Øi = Ør

Refraction

When monochromatic (one-colored) light crosses the boudary between two different substances (mediums), the speed of the light wave changes. The change has been expressed useing this equation:

sin Ø1 = v1
sin Ø2 v2

Absolute Index of Refraction

n = c
v

where n is the absolute index of refraction, c is the speed of light, and v is the speed of light in a medium (a material or substance i.e. not a vacuum).

Snell's Law

Using the absolute index of refraction in (expressing v in terms of c and n), the aforementioned equation that related Ø and velocity of light becomes

sin Ø1 = n2
sin Ø2 n1

And you may see it in the form (called Snell's Law)
n1sin Ø1 = n2sin Ø2

[Back to the Top Practice Questions]
Key Themes
  • Reflection
  • Refraction
  • Practice Questions

Java Interactions and Demonstrations

Links

General Pages/Sites

Search

Physics Forum

Add/Contribute to this section

Comments? Questions? Email

Roll Credits