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.

Answered by Oliver P. Physics tutor

1661 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the refractive index of water bigger than that of air?


What is the threshold frequency of a photon to excite and then emit photoelectrons from a material?


Find the angle at which total internal refraction takes place when light is going from glass to air.


Why does a feather fall at the same rate as a hammer on the Moon?


We're here to help

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