When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction

In summary, at the interface of two different media, there is a certain angle of incidence where the incident ray passes straight through. This angle is equal to the critical angle of refraction, which can be found by using Snell's law. When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction, the refractive indices of the two media are equal.
  • #1
zade70
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Homework Statement


When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction?

Homework Equations


sina/sinb=n2/n1

The Attempt at a Solution


I think as a=b => sina=sinb => n1=n2. We should have the same environment? But is that refraction?
 
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  • #2
At the interface of two different media, there is a certain angle of incidence where the incident ray just passes straight through. What is this angle?
 
  • #3
blue_leaf77 said:
At the interface of two different media, there is a certain angle of incidence where the incident ray just passes straight through. What is this angle?
when b= pi/2 rad. It is the limit angle for a. sina=n2/n1
 
  • #4
zade70 said:
when b= pi/2 rad. It is the limit angle for a. sina=n2/n1
No, that corresponds to critical angle refraction. It very simple, you have Snell's law ##n_1 \sin a = n_2 \sin b##. Try to find a trivial angle ##a=b## which will make the left and right hand side of Snell's law equal irrespective of the refractive indices.
 
  • #5
blue_leaf77 said:
No, that corresponds to critical angle refraction. It very simple, you have Snell's law ##n_1 \sin a = n_2 \sin b##. Try to find a trivial angle ##a=b## which will make the left and right hand side of Snell's law equal irrespective of the refractive indices.
a=b=0 rad? 0=0
 
  • #6
Yes.
 
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FAQ: When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction

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

The relationship between the incidence angle and angle of refraction is defined by Snell's Law, which states that the ratio of the sine of the incidence angle to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two media.

2. How does the angle of refraction change when the incidence angle is equal to it?

When the incidence angle is equal to the angle of refraction, the angle of refraction will be equal to the angle of incidence. This is known as the critical angle, and beyond this point, total internal reflection will occur.

3. Can the angle of refraction ever be greater than the incidence angle?

No, the angle of refraction can never be greater than the incidence angle. This is because the refractive index of a medium is always greater than or equal to 1, meaning that the sine of the angle of refraction can never be greater than the sine of the incidence angle.

4. How does the angle of refraction change with a change in medium?

The angle of refraction is dependent on the refractive indices of the two media. When the medium changes, the refractive index changes, and therefore, the angle of refraction will also change. This is why light appears to bend when passing through different materials.

5. What happens to the angle of refraction when the incidence angle is increased?

As the incidence angle is increased, the angle of refraction also increases. This is because the refracted ray will bend away from the normal as the angle of incidence increases. However, when the incidence angle reaches the critical angle, the angle of refraction will become 90 degrees and total internal reflection will occur.

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