Snell's refraction relation
Angles at an interface depend on refractive indices.
Key knowledge
At a stationary interface between isotropic transparent media, geometric-optics refraction obeys n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂, with angles measured from the surface normal.
Values and equations
n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂
- n₁, n₂
- Refractive indices
- θ₁, θ₂
- Incident and refracted angles from the normal rad
Conditions and scope
- Indices refer to the same light frequency; anisotropic media need additional treatment.
- A real transmitted ray requires the resulting sine magnitude not to exceed one.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Equation 1.4 and normal-angle/index definitions.
2026-10-10 · Stationary isotropic ray-optics relation only; historical attribution prose excluded.
Entry details
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- physics-snells-law
- Revision
- university-reference.1
- Structured reference record
- University reference · University core expansion