Snell's law of refraction at the boundary between two media of refractive indices $n_1$ and $n_2$ states
A$n_1\sin\theta_1 = n_2\sin\theta_2$
B$n_1\cos\theta_1 = n_2\cos\theta_2$
C$n_1\tan\theta_1 = n_2\tan\theta_2$
D$n_1 + \theta_1 = n_2 + \theta_2$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. $n_1\sin\theta_1 = n_2\sin\theta_2$
1. Your syllabus: when a ray crosses from medium 1 to medium 2, the angles of incidence and refraction (both measured from the NORMAL) satisfy $n_1\sin\theta_1 = n_2\sin\theta_2$.
2. Consequence: when light enters a denser medium (higher $n$), it bends TOWARD the normal; entering rarer (lower $n$), it bends AWAY.
3. The refractive index $n = c/v$ measures how much slower light travels in the medium.
4. Options B, C, D have wrong trigonometric functions or wrong functional form — Snell's law has no derivation that produces cosines, tangents, or sums.
_Source: syllabus Physics Part 2, Ch 9 "Ray Optics", §9.3 (Refraction, Eq. 9.4), p. 2–3._
Keep practising Ray Optics and Optical Instruments
Browse all Ray Optics and Optical Instruments questions for AP Intermediate 2nd Year, or explore more Physics topics.
Related questions
The mirror equation relates u, v and f asMatch each formula to what it describesNEET · Physics · Refraction & LensesTap every example of total internal reflectionWhich quantity is being described?Three of these are wrong. Find the one that holds.An astronomical telescope in normal adjustment has an objective of focal length 100 cm andComplete the prism relation