Snell's Law Applet

This simulation can help you see what happens to a light beam when it goes from one medium into another.

The light beam is refracted according to Snell's Equation.

If the index of refraction of the medium where the beam comes is greater than the index of refraction of the other medium, there exists a critical angle.

For angles greater than the critical angle, the wave is reflected back with the same angle as the incident angle. This phenomena is called: "Total Internal Reflection".

You can change the indices of refraction, and the incident angle as you like, and watch the result.

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