Activity- Critical Angle

Use the PHET simulator to complete the following activity:

https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/bending-light

1. Launch the simulator

2. Set the index of refraction value for your assigned media using the “custom” option

3. Shine a ray of light at the boundary between the media at the following angles. Record the angles of
the outgoing ray and/or the reflected ray. If there is no outgoing ray record “none”. If there is no reflected
ray record “none”. 380 nm
Angle of Incoming Ray θ1 Angle of Outgoing Ray θ2 Angle of Reflected Ray θR
10º
15.6 deg. 10 deg.
20º
0
30º

40º

50º

60º

As you increase the angle of the incoming ray there is a precise point at which the outgoing ray is refracted to
90º and thus does not appear on the other side. This is called the critical angle.

40.5 degrees @ 380 nm

Find the critical angle: __________________________

Calculate what the critical angle should be according to Snell’s Law

Compare your calculated value with the value you measured. How well do they match? If there is
discrepancy provide a possible reason.