Optics Refraction Angle Calculator
Calculate the angle of refraction when light passes through different media.
Instructions:
- Enter the **incident angle** in degrees (°).
- Input the **refractive index** of the first medium.
- Input the **refractive index** of the second medium.
- Click “Calculate Refraction Angle” to get the angle of refraction.
Understanding the angle of refraction is vital in optics as it helps explain how light bends when it passes from one medium to another. This guide will help you understand refraction, how to calculate the angle of refraction, and provide practical examples, FAQs, and tables for better understanding.
What is Refraction?
Refraction is the change in direction of light as it passes from one transparent medium to another, due to a change in its speed. This phenomenon is governed by Snell’s Law.
Refraction Angle Calculation
To calculate the angle of refraction, you need the following parameters:
- Angle of Incidence (i): The angle at which the light hits the boundary between two media, measured in degrees.
- Refractive Index of the First Medium (n1): The measure of how much the speed of light is reduced in the first medium.
- Refractive Index of the Second Medium (n2): The measure of how much the speed of light is reduced in the second medium.
The formula to calculate the angle of refraction (r) is given by Snell’s Law:
n1 * sin(i) = n2 * sin(r)
To find the angle of refraction (r), rearrange the formula:
r = arcsin((n1 / n2) * sin(i))
Practical Example
Let’s calculate the angle of refraction when light passes from air (n1 = 1.0) into water (n2 = 1.33) with an angle of incidence of 30 degrees.
Using Snell’s Law:
r = arcsin((1.0 / 1.33) * sin(30))
r = arcsin(0.75 * 0.5)
r = arcsin(0.375)
r ≈ 22 degrees
So, the angle of refraction is approximately 22 degrees.
FAQs about Refraction
Q: What factors affect the angle of refraction? A: The main factors include the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two media.
Q: What is the refractive index? A: The refractive index is a measure of how much light is slowed down in a medium compared to its speed in a vacuum.
Q: Can light bend in any direction during refraction? A: Light can bend either towards the normal (line perpendicular to the surface) or away from it, depending on whether it is moving into a medium with a higher or lower refractive index.
Refraction Angle Calculator Table
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Angle of Incidence (i) | 30 | degrees |
| Refractive Index (n1) | 1.0 | |
| Refractive Index (n2) | 1.33 | |
| Angle of Refraction (r) | 22 | degrees |