Exam-style question
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What is the refractive index of a medium if the angle of incidence is 30 degrees and the angle of refraction is 20 degrees?.
- A.1.5
- B.0.67
- C.1.33
- D.2.0
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- 1.5
Explanation
Why this works
Using Snell's law, n = sin(i) / sin(r). Substituting gives n = sin(30°) / sin(20°).
Calculating, n = 0.5 / 0.342 = 1.46, approximately 1.5. This shows how the refractive index relates to angles of incidence and refraction.
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