Angle of Incidence Calculator

Calculate the angle of incidence using the angle of refraction and refractive indices.

Optical Parameters

Refractive Index 1 (n₁)

Refractive Index 2 (n₂)

Angle of Refraction (θ₂)

Common Indices

Calculation Results

Values out of range (Check refractive indices)

Quick Reference

n₁Index of incident medium

n₂Index of refractive medium

θ₁Angle of incidence

θ₂Angle of refraction

Overview

The angle of incidence is the angle between an incident ray and the normal (the line perpendicular to the surface) at the point of incidence.

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Pro Tips

Measured from the normal, not the surface.
In reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
In refraction, use Snell's Law: n₁ sin(θ₁) = n₂ sin(θ₂).

Fun Facts

"The term 'incidence' comes from the Latin 'incidere', meaning 'to fall upon'."
"Total Internal Reflection only happens when light goes from a denser to a lighter medium."
"Polarizing filters rely on the Brewster angle, which is a specific angle of incidence."

Formula: θ₁ = arcsin((n₂ sin θ₂) / n₁)

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