Question 35
Refraction of LightIn 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?

- A.α = β
- B.The refractive index of glass is sin θ/sin α
- C.The ray suffers total internal reflection if β is greater than the critical angle
- D.The ray will suffer total internal reflection if α is less than the critical angle
- 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.