How to Find Critical Angle

The steps to find critical angle are mentioned below:

Step 1: Identify the refractive indices (n1 and n2) of the two media.

Step 2: Recall Snell’s Law and rearrange to make critical angle the subject [ n1 sin θ1 = n2 sin θ2 ]

Step 3: At the critical angle, the angle of refraction (θr) becomes 90 degrees.

Step 4: Use [ Sin θc = n2/ n1 ] to find the critical angle.

How to Find Critical Angle of a Light Ray

The critical angle is a key concept in optics, especially when light interacts with boundaries between two dissimilar materials. It determines the exact angle of incidence at which light will refract along the interface between the materials, instead of entering the second medium.

In this article, how to find the critical angle of a light ray, the formula for critical angle, Snell’s law, finding a critical angle, and solve the problem.

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Examples on How to Find the Critical Angle

Example 1: A glass cube is held in contact with a liquid and a light ray is directed at the vertical face of the cube. The angle of incidence at the vertical face is 39° and the angle of refraction is 25°. The refractive index of the glass cube is 1.45 and the refractive index of the liquid is 1.32. Calculate the critical angle for the ray at the glass-liquid boundary...

FAQs on How to Calculate Critical Angle

What is the critical angle of a light ray?...

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