MCAT Physics Question — Refractive Index

Using the diagram below, what is the refractive index of glass?

A) sin60^o/sin30^o
B) sin30^o/sin60^o
C) cos60^o/cos30^o
D) cos60^o/cos30^o

Explanation

This question is testing your understanding of optics, specifically refraction. To solve this problem, you must use Snell’s Law, n_airsinΘ_air = n_glasssinΘ_glass, where n is the index of refraction and Θ is the angle between the line normal to the surface and the incident light.

Thus, n_glass = n_airsinΘ_air/sinΘ_glass

n_glass = (1)sin60^o/sin30^o

making A the correct answer.

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