Snell's Law Refraction Calculator
Calculate refraction angles and critical angles using Snell's law for different materials
About this calculator
The Snell's Law Refraction Calculator helps determine how light bends when passing between different materials with varying refractive indices. This tool calculates refraction angles, critical angles, and analyzes total internal reflection phenomena. It's essential for students, physicists, and engineers working with optics, fiber optics, lens design, and wave propagation. The calculator simplifies complex optical calculations by automatically applying Snell's law formula n₁sin(θ₁) = n₂sin(θ₂), making it invaluable for educational purposes and professional optical applications.
How to use
Enter the refractive indices of both materials (initial and final medium) and the incident angle in degrees. The calculator will automatically compute the refracted angle using Snell's law. For critical angle calculations, leave the angle field empty and the tool will determine the minimum angle for total internal reflection between the specified materials.
Frequently asked questions
What is Snell's law used for?
Snell's law describes how light bends when crossing boundaries between materials with different refractive indices, fundamental in optics and wave physics.
What happens at the critical angle?
At the critical angle, light undergoes total internal reflection instead of refracting, with the refracted ray traveling parallel to the interface.
Can I use this for materials other than glass?
Yes, this calculator works for any transparent materials including water, air, plastics, crystals, and gases with known refractive indices.