Question

The angle of incidence in medium $1$ is ${60}^{\circ }$ and angle of refraction in medium $2$ is ${30}^{\circ }$. Find ${}_1{\mu }_2$.

• A. $\sqrt{2}$
• B. $\sqrt{5}$
• C. $\sqrt{3}$
• D. $\sqrt{6}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\sqrt{3}$

Given:
$i={60}^{\circ }$
$r={30}^{\circ }$
We know that, by Snell's law,
${}_1{\mu }_2=\frac{\sin i}{\sin r}$
${\Rightarrow }_1{\mu }_2=\frac{\sin {60}^{\circ }}{\sin {30}^{\circ }}=\frac{\sqrt{3}/2}{1/2}=\sqrt{3}$

Why this question? It tests your understanding of Snell's law and concept of relative refractive index.