What does Snell's Law describe in optics?

What does Snell's Law describe in optics?

• A. The relationship between the intensity of light and distance
• B. The relationship between the frequency of light and its wavelength
• C. The relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction for light passing through different media
• D. The relationship between the speed of light and the refractive index

Answer: (C)

Snell's Law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction as light passes from one medium into another. Specifically, it mathematically relates the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction with respect to the refractive indices of the two media involved. This principle is fundamental in understanding how light bends or changes direction when it encounters the boundary between different optical materials, such as air and glass, or water and air. The law can be expressed using the formula: n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2), where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the respective media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively. This fundamental behavior of light is crucial for various applications in optics, such as lens design, magnifying glasses, and various imaging systems, making it a cornerstone concept within the field.

Snell's Law describes the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction as light passes from one medium into another. Specifically, it mathematically relates the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction with respect to the refractive indices of the two media involved. This principle is fundamental in understanding how light bends or changes direction when it encounters the boundary between different optical materials, such as air and glass, or water and air. The law can be expressed using the formula:

n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2),

where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the respective media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.

This fundamental behavior of light is crucial for various applications in optics, such as lens design, magnifying glasses, and various imaging systems, making it a cornerstone concept within the field.