When a light ray meets an interface between two media, how does the angle of refraction (assuming there is a transmitted ray) compare to the angle of incidence?
A) The angle of refraction is always less than the angle of incidence.
B) The angle of refraction is always greater than the angle of incidence.
C) It may be greater than, equal to, or less than the angle of incidence.
D) The angles are equal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The angle of refraction may be greater than, equal to, or less than the angle of incidence, depending on the relative indices of refraction of the two media. This is described by Snell's Law: n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 and n2 are the indices of refraction of the two media, θ1 is the angle of incidence, and θ2 is the angle of refraction. If n2 > n1, then θ2 will be less than θ1, and vice versa. If n2 = n1, then θ2 will be equal to θ1.

When a Light Ray Meets an Interface Between Two Media