Question

The diagram below shows the path of a light ray in three different materials. The index of refraction for each material is shown in the upper right portion of the material.
Rank the index of refraction values, greatest first

• A. $n_1,n_2,n_3$
• B. $n_1,n_3,n_2$
• C. $n_2,n_1,n_3$
• D. $n_2,n_3,n_1$
• E. $n_3,n_1,n_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $n_1,n_3,n_2$

From Snell's law

$n_{1}sin{\theta }_1=n_{2}sin{\theta }_2=n_{3}sin{\theta }_3$

Since clearly from the figure, ${\theta }_1<{\theta }_3<{\theta }_2$,

we have $n_1>n_3>n_2$

Correct answer is option B.