Refraction of Light & Snell's Law definitions Flashcards

Phenomenon where light changes speed and direction when entering a new material at an angle.

Equation relating the indices of refraction and angles of incidence and refraction: N1 * sin(theta1) = N2 * sin(theta2).

Measure of how much a material reduces the speed of light, affecting the angle of refraction.

Angle between the incoming light ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence.

Angle between the refracted light ray and the normal to the surface in the new medium.

Imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary between two different media where refraction occurs.

Material through which light travels, affecting its speed and direction.

Light ray that strikes a surface before refraction or reflection occurs.

Light ray that emerges after refraction, having changed direction and speed.

Mathematical function used to determine an angle from its sine value, often used in Snell's Law.

Condition where light enters a medium with a greater index of refraction, bending towards the normal.

Condition where light enters a medium with a lesser index of refraction, bending away from the normal.

Interface between two different media where refraction or reflection of light occurs.

Trigonometric function used in Snell's Law to relate angles of incidence and refraction.

Symbol commonly used to represent angles in mathematical equations, such as in Snell's Law.