Why is the index of refraction important for light passing between two materials?

It's important information as it tells you how fast light travels through the material. This can give you an insight into how the angle of refraction of the light is related to the angle of incidence at the border of the materials - this relation is called Snell's Law. Knowing the various angles light is refracted through can also be used to work out other things like the critical angle of a material (the smallest angle in which light is totally internally reflected, i.e. none is refracted.) This information is useful for fibre optic cables used in internet and tv connections.

OP
Answered by Oliver P. Physics tutor

1928 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

A 12V lamp, 36W is switched on for 1 hour. Find the energy supplied by the battery.


Describe the workings behind the Photoelectric effect


How, given the threshold frequency and the kinectic enery of a photon, do you determine the frequency of the phton?


How is a particle moving in circular motion accelerating but not varying speed?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences