Snell’s Law (Grade 11 NSC Matric Physical Sciences): Flashcards

Bending of light passing from one medium to another

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

The normal (perpendicular to surface)

Towards the normal

Away from the normal

Light travels at different speeds in different materials

Passes straight through without bending

1.0

1.333

$n_2 = \frac{n_1 \sin \theta_1}{\sin \theta_2}$