I have an infinite number of glass blocks stacked side by side. The first block has refractive index n1, the second n2 and so on, such that n1<n2...<n(infinity). I shine a light on the stack, what angle does the ray make to the normal on the last block?

This question tests your knowledge of the behaviour of light through different mediums. We know that when light travels from air through glass, it tends towards the normal. This is because the glass is denser than air ie: n(glass)>n(air). Our glass blocks increase in density infinitely, so, applying our knowledge from earlier, we can say that the light will tend towards the normal until the infinitieth block where its path is on the normal, so the angle to the normal is 0 degrees.

AC
Answered by Alex C. Physics tutor

2316 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Derive I = nAVe


A cannon is fired at 30 degrees from the ground and the cannonball has initial velocity of 15 m/s. What is the height of the highest point the cannonball reaches and how far is this point horizontally from the cannon?


Why does a skydiver go through two different terminal velocities?


Describe and explain how a constant rate of fission is maintained in a reactor by considering what events or sequence of events may happen to the released neutrons. (6 marks)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning