Snell's Law of Refraction
The Snell's Law Video Tutorial discusses the variables that affect the amount of refraction occuring at a boundary and shows how Snell's law of refraction is developed from laboratory data. The video includes two example problems with complete solutions.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What variables affect the amount of refraction at a boundary?
- How can one mathematically predict the angle of refraction at a boundary?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Calculator Pad, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Problem Sets RL4 - RL9
If you need guided practice and help with using Snell's Law to solve Physics word problems, then you likely going to have difficulty finding a better resource than our Calculator Pad problem sets. Each problem is accompanied by a set of helpful resources that provide guidance on how to approach the problem. Problem Sets RL4 through RL9 have consist of many practice problems. Pick the ones you want to attempt and learn.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL4
Student persistence with Minds On Physics, combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function, will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the use of Snell's Law equation. Take the challenge.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2, Angle of Refraction
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of Slides 3 and 4 of the video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2, Snell's Law
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when you need a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of Slides 5 through 9 of the video.
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Refraction and Lenses
Our Curriculum Corner section of the website includes a large collection of Think Sheets that make great complements to the video. Each Think Sheet focuses on a single concept and is structured to incrementally guide a student through the concept. They make for great follow-ups to the video, good cooperative group activities, and inclusions in any lesson plan. And if you need source documents (Microsoft Words), extended licensing rights, and solutions, consider the purchase of our low-cost Solutions Guide download. Here's a Think Sheet that fits the video quite well:
Snell's Law
Physics Interactives, Refraction and Lenses Section, Refraction
Our refraction simulation provides a great environment for students to explore what happens when light reaches the boundary between two materials. Combine the simulation with the use of one of our student activity sheets and the accompanying Concept Checker and you will have the start of a great lesson plan.
Physics Interactives, Refraction and Lenses Section, Least Time Principle
Our Least Time Principle simulation centers around the classic questiion of what path does the light guard take to reach the drowning swimmer in the least amount of time? Students use a trial and error method to determine the optimal entry point - the point that takes the least amount of time. Once found, the angle of approach and departure from the boundary and reported. Students then relate the angles to the running and the walking speed of the life guard. This is a great inquiry-driven activity.
Concept Builders, Reflection and Refraction Chapter: Law Enforcement - Refraction
Concept Builders will help do what it's name boasts of - build a concept. This Concept Builder may be a student's best next step after the video. They must use information about relative speed, optical density and n value to identify any diagram that displays the wrong direction of bending. They're going to have to think ... and not too many of use Ts will complain about that.
Calculator Pad, Refraction and Lenses Chapter, Problem Sets RL4 - RL9
If you are looking for guided practice for your students as they use Snell's Law to solve Physics word problems, then you likely going to have difficulty finding a better resource than our Calculator Pad problem sets. Each problem is accompanied by a set of helpful resources that provide guidance on how to approach the problem. Problem Sets RL4 through RL9 have consist of many practice problems of varying degree of difficulty. Numerical information is randomly generated; answers are instantly evaluated; multiple opportunities are provided to get the answers correct.
Minds On Physics, Refraction and Lenses Module, Mission RL4
Student persistence with Minds On Physics, combined with reflective thinking and the use of our Help function, will put any student at the top of the class. This mission pertains to the use of Snell's Law equation. Take the challenge.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2, Angle of Refraction
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when a student needs a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of Slides 3 and 4 of the video.
The Physics Classroom Tutorial, Refraction and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2, Snell's Law
Our written tutorial pages form the basis of most videos. So when a student needs a quick reference, the Tutorial page is a great place to start. This page provides coverage of Slides 5 through 9 of the video.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.