Simulation: Ray-Wavefront Boundary Studio
Tune incident angle and refractive indices to see reflection, refraction, wavelength scaling, and total internal reflection on one diagram.
Appears in: 14.1 Reflection, Refraction, Wavefronts, and Rays, 14.2 The Principle of Superposition, 14.3 Diffraction and Interference, 14.4 Single-Slit Diffraction (AHL), 14.5 Multiple Slits and Diffraction Gratings (AHL)
Wave Phenomena Studio
Current mode: Reflection and Refraction
Reflected angle
42.0 deg
Refracted angle
26.5 deg
Speed ratio
v1:v2 = 1.500:1
Wavelength ratio
lambda2/lambda1 = 0.667
Refraction follows Snell's law; the lower-speed medium bends the ray toward the normal while preserving frequency across the boundary. No critical-angle limit exists for this direction because n1 is not greater than n2.