Why is it Called Snell's Law?
GeneralClass 12AllAnswered 27 Mar 2026
Answer
The law is named after Willebrord Snellius, a Dutch astronomer and mathematician who formulated the mathematical relationship in 1621. Although the phenomenon of refraction was known to earlier scientists, Snellius was credited with providing the precise mathematical description we use today. The anglicized version of his name, "Snell," became attached to the law in English-speaking countries.
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