Refraction of Light & Snell's Law definitions Flashcards
Refraction of Light & Snell's Law definitions
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Refraction
Phenomenon where light changes speed and direction when entering a new material at an angle. Snell's Law
Equation relating the indices of refraction and angles of incidence and refraction: N1 * sin(theta1) = N2 * sin(theta2). Index of Refraction
Measure of how much a material reduces the speed of light, affecting the angle of refraction. Angle of Incidence
Angle between the incoming light ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence. Angle of Refraction
Angle between the refracted light ray and the normal to the surface in the new medium. Normal
Imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary between two different media where refraction occurs. Medium
Material through which light travels, affecting its speed and direction. Incident Light
Light ray that strikes a surface before refraction or reflection occurs. Outgoing Light
Light ray that emerges after refraction, having changed direction and speed. Inverse Sine
Mathematical function used to determine an angle from its sine value, often used in Snell's Law. Higher Index
Condition where light enters a medium with a greater index of refraction, bending towards the normal. Lower Index
Condition where light enters a medium with a lesser index of refraction, bending away from the normal. Boundary
Interface between two different media where refraction or reflection of light occurs. Sine
Trigonometric function used in Snell's Law to relate angles of incidence and refraction. Theta
Symbol commonly used to represent angles in mathematical equations, such as in Snell's Law.
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