High School Physics : Light and Electromagnetic Waves

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for High School Physics

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Example Questions

Example Question #1 : Understanding Refraction

Light strikes a crystal from the air at an angle of to the normal. Inside the crystal, the angle of light is to the normal. What is the index of refraction in the crystal?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Snell's law:

We are given the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction. The index of refraction for air is . Using these values, we can find the index of refraction in the crystal.

Example Question #6 : Understanding Refraction

A beam of light hits a crystal at an angle of  to the normal. The light is refracted in the crystal and changes to an angle of  to the normal. What is the index of refraction of the crystal?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Snell's law:

Remember that air has an index of refraction of . Using this value and the given values for the angle of incidence and angle of refraction, we can find the index of refraction of the crystal.

Example Question #1 : Understanding Refraction

A beam of light hits a crystal at an angle of incidence of . If the index of refraction of the crystal is , what is the angle of refraction inside of the crystal?

Possible Answers:

Correct answer:

Explanation:

To solve this problem, use Snell's law:

Remember that air has an index of refraction of . We know the index of refraction for each material and the initial angle of incidence. Using these values, we can find the angle of refraction.

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