Refraction, Snell’s Law, and Total Internal Reflection (HSC SSCE Physics): Flashcards

Change in direction as light travels between transparent media

Light travels at different speeds in different materials

How much light slows in material compared to vacuum

$n_x = \frac{c}{v_x}$

$n_1 \sin\theta_1 = n_2 \sin\theta_2$

From the normal line, not the surface

Going from lower to higher refractive index ($n_2 > n_1$)

Dense to less dense & angle > critical angle

Angle where refracted ray travels along boundary ($\theta_2=90°$)

Multiple total internal reflections in higher-index core