Two parallel beams of light in air strike the surface of a transparent material and the refracted beam 1 is closer to the normal than beam 2.Which beam is traveling at higher speed in the material,and which beam has the higher index of refraction in the material?
A)beam 1,beam 1
B)beam 1,beam 2
C)beam 2,beam 2
D)beam 2,beam 1

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to Snell's law, the beam with the higher index of refraction travels more slowly. Since beam 1 is refracted closer to the normal than beam 2, it must have the higher index of refraction. Therefore, the faster beam is beam 2 which is refracted away from the normal. Hence, the correct choice is D.

Two Parallel Beams of Light in Air Strike the Surface