Fundamentals of Physics Extended (10th Edition)

Published by Wiley
ISBN 10: 1-11823-072-8
ISBN 13: 978-1-11823-072-5

Chapter 33 - Electromagnetic Waves - Problems - Page 1004: 46a

Answer

The index of refraction of material 1 is greater than the index of refraction of water.

Work Step by Step

We can use Snell's law to help us understand this situation: $n_w~sin~\theta_2 = n_i~sin~\theta_1$ In this equation: $n_w$ is the index of refraction of water $n_i$ is the index of refraction of the material If the refracted angle $\theta_2$ is greater than the incident angle $\theta_1$, then the index of refraction of water is less than index of refraction of the material. From the graph, we can see that the refracted angle $\theta_2$ is greater than the incident angle $\theta_1$. Therefore, the index of refraction of material 1 is greater than the index of refraction of water.
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