Angle of incidence, angle of refraction and angle of reflection

In summary, the conversation discusses identifying the angle of incidence, angle of refraction, and angle of reflection for a light ray striking the surface between two transparent materials. The letters for these angles are B, unknown, and F respectively. The question of whether the surface is horizontal or vertical is raised, and the relationship between the angle of incidence and angle of reflection is mentioned.
  • #1
shimizua
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Homework Statement


A light ray strikes the surface between two transparent materials as shown. Each angle is labeled with a letter. Give the letters for the angle of incidence, angle of refraction and angle of reflection, in that order


Homework Equations



http://capa-new.colorado.edu/teacher/capalibrary/Graphics/Gtype73/prob22v2.gif

The Attempt at a Solution


Well I am pretty sure on the angle of incidence and reflection but not sure on refraction. I am pretty sure that the incidence would be B because we look for the arrow going into the the material and we just find the angle between this and the normal (and that is B). THe angle of reflection would be F, again because we find the arrow going out of the material and then take that and find the normal and take the angle between them (so F). But now for the angle of refraction I am unsure of
 
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  • #2
What do you think the surface between the two materials is horizontal or vertical?
What do you know about the relation between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?

ehild
 

FAQ: Angle of incidence, angle of refraction and angle of reflection

1. What is the difference between angle of incidence and angle of refraction?

Angle of incidence refers to the angle at which a ray of light hits a surface. It is measured between the incident ray and the normal line drawn perpendicular to the surface. On the other hand, angle of refraction is the angle between the refracted ray and the normal line, when light passes from one medium to another at an angle.

2. How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of refraction?

The angle of incidence and angle of refraction are related through Snell's law. This law states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the speeds of light in the two media. As the angle of incidence increases, the angle of refraction also increases.

3. What is the angle of reflection?

The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal line, when light is reflected off a surface. It is equal to the angle of incidence, as per the law of reflection.

4. How are the angles of incidence, refraction, and reflection related?

The angles of incidence, refraction, and reflection are all related through the laws of reflection and refraction. These laws describe how light behaves when it interacts with different mediums and surfaces. The angles are also related through Snell's law, which determines the relationship between the angles and the speeds of light in different mediums.

5. How can the angles of incidence, refraction, and reflection be measured?

The angles can be measured using a protractor or with the help of specialized instruments such as a spectrophotometer or a refractometer. These instruments use principles of optics to accurately measure the angles of incidence, refraction, and reflection.

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