What is the refractive index of a solution that has a critical angle of 40.8° with respect to air? The refracting index of air is 1.00.

Question

Options:

 A. 

1.17

  B. 

1.25

 C. 

1.53

 D. 

1.65

Please explain in detail the step-by-step process. Thank you.

Answer 1

To find the critical angle, use Snell's Law with a refractive angle of 90 degrees (along the surface - any angle of incidence greater than theta critical leads to internal reflection):

n_soln sin(θ_c) = n_airsin(90º)

n_soln = 1/sin(θ_c) = 1/sin(40.8°) = 1.53

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