Light strikes a diamond (n = 2.42) immersed in glycerin (n = 1.473) at an angle of 60° relative to the normal to the surface. What is the angle of refraction?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using Snell's Law: 
n1 sin(theta1) = n2 sin(theta2) 
where n1 = 2.42 (refractive index of diamond)
n2 = 1.473 (refractive index of glycerin)
theta1 = 60° (angle of incidence)
Let's solve for theta2: 
theta2 = sin^-1[(n1/n2)sin(theta1)]
= sin^-1[(2.42/1.473)sin(60°)]
= sin^-1(1.644)
= 32° (approx) 
Therefore, the angle of refraction is 32°.

Light Strikes a Diamond (N = 2