Physics · Grades 10–12
Refraction using given sine values
Angles are measured from the normal. Find the sine requested, not an angle in degrees.
Rule and assumptions
Angles are measured from the normal. Find the sine requested, not an angle in degrees.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂
Worked examples
Light passes from n₁ = 1 to n₂ = 2. If sin θ₁ = 0.6, find sin θ₂ using Snell’s law. Angles are from the normal. Round to 3 decimal places if needed.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ 1 × 0.6 / 2 = 0.3
0.3
Light passes from n₁ = 1 to n₂ = 1.6. If sin θ₁ = 0.1, find sin θ₂ using Snell’s law. Angles are from the normal. Round to 3 decimal places if needed.
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ 1 × 0.1 / 1.6 = 0.063
0.063
Try two questions
Light passes from n₁ = 1 to n₂ = 1.5. If sin θ₁ = 0.2, find sin θ₂ using Snell’s law. Angles are from the normal. Round to 3 decimal places if needed.
Light passes from n₁ = 1 to n₂ = 2.1. If sin θ₁ = 0.4, find sin θ₂ using Snell’s law. Angles are from the normal. Round to 3 decimal places if needed.
Answers and reasoning
Answers and marking notes
- 0.133
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ 1 × 0.2 / 1.5 = 0.133
- 0.19
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂ 1 × 0.4 / 2.1 = 0.19
Further reading and review references
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Learning preview · independent educational and translation review required. Suggested grades are not official curriculum alignment.