Math Is Fun Forum

joetrivolio

Guest

law of refraction (n = sinI/sinR)

the law of refraction states that:

n = sinI/sinR

where n = refractive index
I = angle of incidence
R = angle of refraction

my question is how was this geometrically derived?

thanks.

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: law of refraction (n = sinI/sinR)

Hi;

There is much useful info here and some pdf's to download. Maybe you can find what you are looking for.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snell%27s_law

There is a simpler demonstration here starting at (343)

http://farside.ph.utexas.edu/teaching/3 … de128.html

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

joetrivolio

Guest

Re: law of refraction (n = sinI/sinR)

thanks. i will read them

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: law of refraction (n = sinI/sinR)

Hi joetrivolio;

i will read them

What a great reply, if only everyone was like that!

---

In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.