Chapter 33, Problem 48P

In Fig. 33-48a, a light ray in water is incident at angle θ₁ on a boundary with an underlying material, into which some of the light refracts. There are two choices of underlying material. For each, the angle of refraction θ₂ versus the incident angle θ₁ is given in Fig. 33-48b. The vertical axis scale is set by θ_1s = 90°. Without calculation, determine whether the index of refraction of (a) material 1 and (b) material 2 is greater or less than the index of water (n = 1.33). What is the index of refraction of (c) material 1 and (d) material 2?

Figure 33-48 Problem 48.