Snell's Law

n_{1} sin θ_{1} = n_{2} sin θ_{2}

Describes how light bends when passing between media with different refractive indices.

Variables

n_1

Refractive index of medium 1

unitless

\theta_1

Angle in medium 1

n_2

Refractive index of medium 2

unitless

\theta_2

Angle in medium 2

Derived from Fermat's principle of least time or from the wave nature of light at boundaries.

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