Light Explorer
Reflection & Refraction through Plane Surfaces and Glass Slabs
Explore how light behaves when it encounters different surfaces. Observe reflection from plane surfaces and refraction through glass slabs. Change the angle of incidence and medium to see how it affects the light path!
Plane Surface
Observation:
When light hits a plane surface, it reflects at the same angle as the angle of incidence (Law of Reflection).
Light Path:
Incident angle: 30°, Reflected angle: 30°
The Science Behind Light Behavior
Key Concepts:
Light behavior at surfaces depends on the medium and angle of incidence:
- Reflection: Light bounces off a surface. Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection.
- Refraction: Light bends when entering a different medium. Follows Snell's Law: n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂.
- Critical Angle: When refraction angle becomes 90° (total internal reflection possible).
- Lateral Shift: Light passing through a glass slab emerges parallel but shifted laterally.
Snell's Law:
n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂ where n is refractive index and θ is the angle from normal.
