Question

A ray of light moves from a rarer medium to a denser medium as shown in diagram alongside.

1. Write down the number of ray which is reflected partially.
2. Write down the number of ray which is refracted from its path.
3. What is the ratio between \(\sin \text{‘}i\text{’}\) and \(\sin \text{‘}r\text{’}\) is called?
4. Is this ratio constant as long as the nature of media involved is constant?

Answer 1

1. Ray 2 is partially reflected.
2. Ray 3 is refracted and bends towards the normal as it enters the denser medium.
3. The ratio \(\dfrac{\sin i}{\sin r}\) is called the refractive index of the denser medium with respect to the rarer medium.
4. Yes. This ratio remains constant for the same pair of media.