For a certain pair of materials with unknown indices of refraction, the angle of

Question

For a certain pair of materials with unknown indices of refraction, the angle of incidence is 19 degrees, the angle of refraction in the second medium is 31.7 degrees, and the critical angle is 38.2 degrees.

What are the indices of refraction of the two media? Use principles of physics to solve for these values, and confirm your answers with the simulation. Note that your answers should be expressed with two significant figures, as are the indices of refraction in the simulation.

The index of refraction of medium 1 is _____

The index of refraction of medium 2 is______

Explanation / Answer

critical angle, C = 38.2o

from Snell's law ,

sin C / sin 90 = 1 / n

1/ n = sin 38.2 / sin 90

= 0.6184

n = 1.617

The angle of incidence, i = 19o

angle of refraction, r = 31.7o

From Snell's law ,

sin i / sin r = n / n '

sin 19 / sin31.7= 1.617 / n '

n ' = 2.609

= 2.61

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