JAMB Physics 1980 Question 35

Question 35

Refraction of Light

In the above diagram, a ray of light passes from glass into air. If the angle of incidence in glass is α and the angle of refraction in air is β, which of the following statements is true?

Diagram for this question
  1. A.α = β
  2. B.The refractive index of glass is sin θ/sin α
  3. C.The ray suffers total internal reflection if β is greater than the critical angle
  4. D.The ray will suffer total internal reflection if α is less than the critical angle
  5. E.The refractive index of glass is sin α/sin β
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (The refractive index of glass is sin θ/sin α)

Explanation

The refractive index of glass is sin(angle in air) ÷ sin(angle in glass) = sin β/sin α. Option E is upside down, and total internal reflection needs α greater than the critical angle.