Refractive Index Calculator
Snell's Law & Critical Angle
Calculate refraction angles using Snell's law and find critical angles for total internal reflection.
Refraction Parameters
°
Formula
n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂)
Note
Total internal reflection occurs when the calculated angle would exceed 90°.
Common Media
Vacuum:1.0
Air:1.000293
Water:1.333
Glass:1.52
Diamond:2.417
Ice:1.31
Snell's Law
Snell's law describes how light bends when passing between different media. The relationship is: n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂)
- Light bends toward normal when entering denser medium
- Light bends away from normal when entering less dense medium
Total Internal Reflection
When light travels from a denser to less dense medium at angles greater than the critical angle, it reflects completely back into the denser medium.
- Fiber optic cables
- Prisms and diamonds
- Mirages
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