Newton's laws also don't work for fast moving objects (relativity) nor apply to subatomic particles.
In dispersive media (most materials) different wavelengths travel at slightly different speeds so the refractive indexes in Snell's law ought to be slightly different for each wavelength. But usually we treat it as a constant for all wavelengths. This doesn't matter if the light enters and exits from a media with parallel sides but splits white light into color if the sides are not parallel.
kyle
Message: 10
Date: Mon, 10 Jan 2011 15:47:43 -0600
From: "Paul Lulai"<plulai@stanthony.k12.mn.us>
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] Global Evolution as fact
To: "Forum for Physics Educators"<phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu>
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<199640D1D5F3584D9022ADB0466BBD11044AAC13@EXCHANGE.stanthony.k12.mn.us>
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Ummmm...
I recall (but couldn't likely reproduce any evidence or proof) that N3L doesn't work for moving charges (unless the magnetic field is included?).
I don't know of the conditions in which Snell's Law isn't accurate.
Any help / insight would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Paul Lulai
Physics Teacher
St Anthony Village S.H.
3303 33rd Ave NE
St Anthony Village, MN 55418