Snell's Law Calculator

Find the refraction angle as light enters a new medium.

Refraction angle (degrees) 22.082

Formula: n₁ sin θ₁ = n₂ sin θ₂

Step-by-step with your numbers:
1. Values used:
2. Index n₁ = 1
3. Incidence angle = 30 degrees
4. Index n₂ = 1.33
5.
6. Refraction angle = 22.082degrees
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Snell's law describes how light bends when entering a new medium.

The math behind it

n₁ × sin(θ₁) = n₂ × sin(θ₂). Light bends toward the normal entering a denser medium.

Worked example

Air (1) → water (1.33) at 30° → 22.1°.

FAQ

Total internal reflection?

Occurs when the calculated sine exceeds 1 (no refraction angle).