A beam of light is shone through the new plastic (from the previous question) at a 30o angle from the normal. Assume that we are testing this new plastic in a vacuum chamber. Using your knowledge of the refractive index from the previous question, which diagram most accurately represents how the light will be refracted in the new plastic?

To answer this question, we need to follow the principles of light refraction, governed by **Snell's Law**:

\[
n_1 \sin \theta_1 = n_2 \sin \theta_2
\]

Where:
- \( n_1 \) is the refractive index of the first medium (vacuum, in this case).
- \( n_2 \) is the refractive index of the new plastic.
- \( \theta_1 \) is the angle of incidence (30° from the normal).
- \( \theta_2 \) is the angle of refraction inside the new plastic.

### Key Steps:
1. **Refractive Index of Vacuum:** The refractive index of a vacuum is \( n_1 = 1 \).
2. **Refractive Index of the New Plastic:** We assume the refractive index of the plastic is given in the previous problem. Let's call it \( n_2 \).
3. **Applying Snell’s Law:**
   - The light is incident at \( \theta_1 = 30^\circ \).
   - Solve for \( \theta_2 \) (the angle of refraction) using the equation:
   \[
   \sin \theta_2 = \frac{n_1}{n_2} \sin \theta_1
   \]

This will give us the angle of refraction in the plastic. 

If you give me the refractive index from the previous problem, I can calculate the precise angle and help you determine the correct diagram.

Do you want more details on how Snell's Law works, or have any specific questions about the process?

Here are 5 questions you might consider:
1. What happens to the speed of light as it enters a medium with a higher refractive index?
2. How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of refraction?
3. What happens if the light passes from the plastic back into a vacuum?
4. How does total internal reflection relate to Snell's Law?
5. How can we experimentally measure the refractive index of a new material?

**Tip:** The larger the refractive index difference between two media, the more the light will bend at the boundary.

A beam of light is shone through the new plastic (from the previous question) at a 30° angle from the normal. Assume that we are testing this new plastic in a vacuum chamber. Using your knowledge of the refractive index from the previous question, which diagram most accurately represents how the light will be refracted in the new plastic?

Explore how to apply Snell's Law to determine the refraction of light as it passes through a new plastic in a vacuum. This problem involves key concepts from optics, including the refractive index and the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction. Suitable for high school students in Grades 9-12.

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