Which law is Willebrord Snell's most important contribution to science?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Law of refraction.
Willebrord Snell, a Dutch astronomer and mathematician, is best known for his discovery of the law of refraction, now widely referred to as Snell's Law. In 1621, he formulated this fundamental principle of optics, which describes how light bends as it passes from one transparent medium to another.
Snell's Law mathematically relates the angles of incidence and refraction to the refractive indices of the two media. The formula, n1sinθ1=n2sinθ2, is a cornerstone of modern geometric optics. It provides the essential framework for understanding and designing a vast range of optical instruments, from simple eyeglasses and magnifying glasses to complex telescopes and fiber optic communication systems. Although he never published his findings during his lifetime, his discovery became a foundational principle of physics.