Light traveling in a vacuum (n1 = 1) encounters a boundary with a material of index n2 = 1.5. If the light strikes the boundary at an angle of incidence of 30o, what is the angle of refraction (in degrees)? You may use your software if needed.

The angle of refraction is 19.5⁰

Explanation:

Given;

refractive index of the vacuum, n₁ = 1

refractive index of the material, n₂ = 1.5

angle of incidence of,  θ₁ = 30⁰

Apply Snell's law

n₁Sinθ₂ = n₂Sinθ₂

(1)Sin 30⁰ = 1.5Sinθ₂

(1)(0.5) = 1.5Sinθ₂

0.5 = 1.5Sinθ₂

Sinθ₂ = 0.5 / 1.5

Sinθ₂ = 0.3333

θ₂ = Sin⁻¹(0.3333)

θ₂ = 19.5⁰

Therefore, the angle of refraction is 19.5⁰