If light enters a new medium perpendicularly

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When light enters a new medium perpendicularly, it does not bend, as indicated by Snell's Law, which states n1 sin(theta1) = n2 sin(theta2). In the case of light transitioning from glass to air, with indices of refraction of 1.5 and 1.0 respectively, the angle of incidence is zero, leading to no change in direction. The discussion raises the question of why light would bend in a specific direction if the medium is isotropic, suggesting that perceived bending could vary based on the observer's position. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the physical properties of the medium when analyzing light behavior. Overall, light entering a new medium perpendicularly remains unaffected in its path.
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How will it bend? Or will it not bend at all?
 
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michaelw said:
How will it bend? Or will it not bend at all?

what would snell's law imply? :wink:
 
i don't know :/
lets say it goes from glass to air
1.5 = sin(theta)

but what does that say about theta?
 
Hint, the correct equation for Snell's Law is:

n_{1} sin(\theta_1) = n_{2} sin(\theta_2)

Where \theta_1 and \theta_2 are the angle from the normal.

~Lyuokdea
 
michaelw:

Looks like you should have a sin(zero) factor in there.
 
From a physical point of view. If the medium is isotropic, why would the light bend in any particular preferred direction? Suppose it bend to the right from on standpoint. If you stand on the other side of the medium it would turn left while the physical situation is identical.
 

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