Which statement correctly describes the effect of refractive index on refraction?

Which statement correctly describes the effect of refractive index on refraction?

• A. Lower refractive index leads to more refraction.
• B. Refraction is independent of refractive index.
• C. Higher refractive index leads to more refraction.
• D. Only opaque materials refract.

Answer: (C)

Refraction strength is governed by Snell's law, which shows how the bending of a light ray depends on the refractive indices of the two media. When light enters a medium with a higher refractive index, its speed slows and the ray bends toward the normal. The larger the difference between the indices, the greater the change in direction. In equation form, sin θ2 = (n1/n2) sin θ1; as n2 increases, sin θ2 decreases, so the refracted angle θ2 is smaller and the ray bends more. For example, light going from air into glass bends noticeably toward the normal. Therefore, a higher refractive index leads to more refraction. The other statements don’t fit because refraction depends on the refractive indices, and refraction occurs at transparent boundaries, not just with opaque materials.

Refraction strength is governed by Snell's law, which shows how the bending of a light ray depends on the refractive indices of the two media. When light enters a medium with a higher refractive index, its speed slows and the ray bends toward the normal. The larger the difference between the indices, the greater the change in direction. In equation form, sin θ2 = (n1/n2) sin θ1; as n2 increases, sin θ2 decreases, so the refracted angle θ2 is smaller and the ray bends more. For example, light going from air into glass bends noticeably toward the normal. Therefore, a higher refractive index leads to more refraction. The other statements don’t fit because refraction depends on the refractive indices, and refraction occurs at transparent boundaries, not just with opaque materials.