Question

How does the angle of refraction compare with the angle of incidence for a denser-to-rarer transition when refraction occurs?

Options

• The refracted angle is greater than the angle of incidence.

• The refracted angle is always \[90^\circ\].

• The refracted angle is smaller than the angle of incidence.

• The refracted angle is equal to the angle of incidence.

Answer 1

For a denser-to-rarer transition, \[n_1>n_2\]. Snell’s law therefore gives a refracted angle greater than the angle of incidence when a refracted ray enters the rarer medium.