A geometric approach to Fermat principle as a demonstration of high school geometry and physical optics

W. F. Kao*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fermat's principle states that a light ray refracted across different media will traverse the fastest path as the physics for Snell's law. A geometric proof of Fermat's principle will be demonstrated as an intuitive approach to learn high school geometry and physical optics. It will be proved explicitly by showing that all alternative paths need more traversal time to complete their journey.

Original languageEnglish
Article number045014
JournalPhysics Education
Volume56
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2021

Keywords

  • Fermat principle
  • refraction of light
  • Snell's law

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