The formula to calculate the angle of refraction when light passes from air to water is:
\[ n₁ \sin(\theta₁) = n₂ \sin(\theta₂) \]
Where:
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another with a different refractive index. This phenomenon occurs because light changes speed when it moves between materials with different optical densities. For example, when light travels from air (a less dense medium) into water (a denser medium), it slows down and bends towards the normal line perpendicular to the surface. The amount of bending depends on the refractive indices of the two media and the angle at which the light enters the new medium.
Let's assume the following values:
Using the formula:
\[ \sin(\theta₂) = \frac{n₁ \sin(\theta₁)}{n₂} = \frac{1 \sin(30)}{1.33} \approx 0.375 \]
Therefore,
\[ \theta₂ = \arcsin(0.375) \approx 22.09 \text{ degrees} \]
The Angle of Refraction is approximately 22.09 degrees.
Let's assume the following values:
Using the formula:
\[ \sin(\theta₂) = \frac{n₁ \sin(\theta₁)}{n₂} = \frac{1 \sin(45)}{1.33} \approx 0.53 \]
Therefore,
\[ \theta₂ = \arcsin(0.53) \approx 31.06 \text{ degrees} \]
The Angle of Refraction is approximately 31.06 degrees.