Science
Brewster angle
Estimate the incidence angle at which p-polarized reflection vanishes at a dielectric boundary.
Calculators / Science / Snell refraction angle
Snell refraction angle calculator
Calculate the transmitted-ray angle at an interface between two optical media.
On this page
Refraction angle19.47degrees
Calculator controls
How to calculate
Calculate the transmitted-ray angle at an interface between two optical media.
Refraction angle =
asin(n1*sin(a*pi/180)/n2)*180/pi degreesWorked example
- Incident-medium refractive index: 1
- Transmitted-medium refractive index: 1.5
- Incidence angle (degrees): 30
- Refraction angle: 19.47 degrees
Assumptions and limits
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Angles are relative to the normal. Total internal reflection has no real transmitted angle and is reported as an input-domain error.
Results are rounded for display; calculations use unrounded values. Read our calculation methodology.
Understanding the result
Calculate the transmitted-ray angle at an interface between two optical media. Higher-index transmission bends the ray toward the normal; reversing the media can produce total internal reflection.
When this tool is useful
Higher-index transmission bends the ray toward the normal; reversing the media can produce total internal reflection.
Understanding your inputs
| Input | Example |
|---|---|
Incident-medium refractive index n1 | 1 |
Transmitted-medium refractive index n2 | 1.5 |
Incidence angle (degrees) a | 30 |
Frequently asked questions
Which assumptions matter for this result?
This is an ideal educational model. Enter quantities in the stated SI units; it does not certify equipment safety or real operating limits. Angles are relative to the normal. Total internal reflection has no real transmitted angle and is reported as an input-domain error.
How can I check the worked example?
Use the displayed example inputs in the stated formula. Keep each quantity in its labelled unit and compare the unrounded result before applying display rounding.