Which of the following mediums would cause light to refract the most?

a. Refractive index= 2.42 (Diamond)
b. Refractive index = 1.309 (Ice)
c. Refractive index = 1.000 45 (Carbon Dioxide)
d. Refractive index = 1.333 (Water)

Question

Which of the following mediums would cause light to refract the most?

a. Refractive index= 2.42 (Diamond)
b. Refractive index = 1.309 (Ice)
c. Refractive index = 1.000 45 (Carbon Dioxide)
d. Refractive index = 1.333 (Water)

anonymous · Answer

Snell's Law:
n1 sin(a1) = n2 sin(a2)

Refraction angle is dependent on the difference between the two indices of refraction.

If you just assume for simplicity that n1 is air (n=1), which value of n2 (from yours above) would give you the largest difference?

The answer would be (a) diamond.