Snell Refraction Angle
Apply refraction at a flat interface between two media.
Your numbers
Refraction angle
Idealized SI-unit educational model. Real components, tolerances, losses and safe operating limits require separate verification.
Scenario comparison
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Formula
Use n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂. n₁ and n₂ are incident and transmitted refractive indices; θ₁ and θ₂ are angles from the normal. Angles are entered and displayed in degrees. If refraction has no real angle, the result identifies total internal reflection.
Apply refraction at a flat interface between two media.
Worked example
- Incident refractive index
- 1
- Transmitted refractive index
- 1.5
- Incident angle from normal (degrees)
- 30
- Refraction angle
- 19.4712206345 °
Scope and limitations
Idealized SI-unit educational model. Real components, tolerances, losses and safe operating limits require separate verification.
Inputs are checked for missing values and allowed ranges. A result outside the finite numeric range is not displayed. Rounding affects display, while the calculation uses the model’s numeric precision.
Check your units and assumptions before relying on a result. Changing a label does not convert a currency or physical unit.
Formula version: 8c4bc53eb594 · Example checked: