When light goes from a material with a lower index of refraction n₁ into a material with a higher index of refraction n₂ with an angle of incidence of 30.0$^{\circ}$,which of the following is true? A) the angle of refraction is more than 30.0$^{\circ}$ B) the angle of refraction is less than 30.0$^{\circ}$ C) total internal reflection may occur D) the angle of refraction is more than 30.0$^{\circ}$and total internal reflection may occur E) the angle of refraction is less than 30.0$^{\circ}$and total internal reflection may occur

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When light goes from a material with a lower index of refraction to a material with a higher index of refraction, the angle of refraction is always less than the angle of incidence. This is known as Snell's Law. Total internal reflection only occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, which is determined by the indices of refraction of the two materials. Since the angle of incidence is less than 30 degrees and we are going from a material with a lower index of refraction to a material with a higher index of refraction, total internal reflection is not a possibility. Therefore, the answer is B.

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