To calculate the angle of refraction for monochromatic light traveling from air into plexiglass, we can use Snell’s Law, which is defined as:
n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2)
Where:
- n1 = index of refraction of air (approximately 1.00)
- θ1 = incident angle (65 degrees)
- n2 = index of refraction of plexiglass (1.51)
- θ2 = angle of refraction
Plugging the values into Snell’s Law:
1.00 * sin(65°) = 1.51 * sin(θ2)
Calculating sin(65°) gives us approximately 0.9063. Now we can rewrite the equation as:
0.9063 = 1.51 * sin(θ2)
Now, solve for sin(θ2):
sin(θ2) = 0.9063 / 1.51 ≈ 0.5990
Next, we need to find θ2 by taking the inverse sine:
θ2 ≈ sin-1(0.5990) ≈ 36.9°
Thus, the angle of refraction when the ray of monochromatic light enters the plexiglass is approximately 36.9 degrees.