Refraction of Light in Different Glass Slabs

Which slab has the greater index of refraction? Why?

Slab A has the larger index of refraction as indicated by the smaller angle of refraction in Slab B.

The index of refraction is a property of a material that describes how much the material can bend light as it passes through it. When light travels from one medium to another, such as from air to a glass slab, its speed and direction change due to the change in the refractive index of the materials involved.

Explanation:

In this scenario, both slabs are made from different types of glass, and a ray of light enters each slab at the same angle of incidence. The angle of refraction, which is the angle at which the light ray changes direction upon entering the slab, is smaller in Slab B compared to Slab A. This difference in the angle of refraction indicates that Slab A has the larger index of refraction.

According to Snell's law, the angle of refraction is inversely proportional to the index of refraction of the material. When the angle of refraction is smaller, it implies that the index of refraction is larger. Therefore, Slab A has the greater index of refraction compared to Slab B.

← How to calculate speed and height in physics mechanics problems Net force and equilibrium exploring the dynamics of forces →