Mathematical Explanation

Snell's law is amathematical way of showing the relationship of the angle that light hits a drop of water (angle of incidence), the angle of refraction, and the index of refraction of air and water.

ni * sine (Øi) = nr * sine (Ør)
ni = index of refraction of the incident medium (air)
nr = index of refraction of the refraction medium (water)
Øi = angle of incidence
Ør=angle of refraction
 

Example:

 
 

Øi=45º
ni=1.00
nr=1.33
Ør=?

1.00 * sine (45º) = 1.33 * sine(Ør)
0.7071 = 1.33 * sine (Ør)
0.532 = sine Ør
sin¯¹ (0.532)=Ør
32.1º = Ør

So the angle of refraction will be 32.1º.
 

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