The index of refraction for red light in water is 1331 and t

The index of refraction for red light in water is 1.331 and that for blue light is 1.340. A ray of white light enters the water at an angle of incidence of 35.0 degree. (a) What is the underwater angle of refraction for the red component of the light? (b) What is the underwater angle of refraction for the blue component of the light? (Give your answer to three significant figures.)

Solution

(A) Applying snell\'s law:

ni sin@i = nr sin@r

For red light (nr = 1.331)

1 * sin85 = 1.331 * sin@r

@r = 48.457 deg

(B) for blue light(nr = 1.340)

1 * sin85 = 1.340 sin@r

@r = 48.024 deg