Finding index of refraction using wavelength and 2 angles?

In summary, the conversation involves a problem of finding the index of refraction of a transparent material when given the wavelength, the angle of incidence, and the angle of refraction. The suggested approach is to use Snell's law, but the purpose of the wavelength in the calculation is unclear. The student is unsure which formulas to use and is considering contacting the professor for clarification.
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maxfails
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Finding index of refraction using wavelength and 2 angles??

I'm not sure how to do a problem that involves a light ray striking a block/air interface, how to find the index of refraction of a transparent material when given the wavelength, the angle the light ray makes with respect to the normal when it enters and when it exits.

It's worded like this.

Model the following problem:
A light ray of wavelength (lambda) propagates in a transparent block of material and strikes a block/air interface at q1 to the normal When it emerges into the surrounding air it makes a q2 angle with the normal. What is the index of refraction of the material?
Test your model.



It is actually a programming assignment but that's not important now I'm just not sure which formulas (I'm sorry but formulae just looks and sounds way too nerdy) to use.
Because the question gave 3 variables I am assuming you need to involve all 3 of them in the calculation of the index of refraction, n. I was thinking you could use Snell's law since from what i remember the index of refraction of air is constant. But then what is the point of the wavelength?
 
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maxfails said:
But then what is the point of the wavelength?

It's not unusual for exercises to give more information than is actually needed for the solution. This is to give you practice in distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information.
 
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yea but the thing is, its not just some small exercise its actually a major assignment involving making a model in a program and creating a procedure to calculate is, so I'm not sure if they would give extra info on something like this.

guess i'll email the prof or something...
 

1. How do you calculate the index of refraction using wavelength and 2 angles?

To calculate the index of refraction, you first need to measure the wavelength of light passing through a medium. Then, you need to measure the angles of incidence and refraction. Finally, use Snell's Law (n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2) to calculate the index of refraction, where n1 is the index of refraction of the initial medium and n2 is the index of refraction of the final medium.

2. What is the significance of finding the index of refraction?

The index of refraction is an important physical property of a material, as it describes how light is bent or refracted as it passes through the medium. It also helps determine the speed of light in a particular medium, which is crucial in understanding how light behaves and interacts with the material.

3. Can the index of refraction be greater than 1?

Yes, the index of refraction can be greater than 1. In fact, most materials have an index of refraction greater than 1, with the exception of a vacuum or air, which have an index of refraction of exactly 1.

4. How does the index of refraction vary with wavelength?

The index of refraction can vary with wavelength, especially in materials with a high degree of dispersion. This means that the index of refraction may change at different wavelengths of light, resulting in the separation of white light into its component colors.

5. Are there any other factors that can affect the index of refraction?

Yes, the index of refraction can also be affected by factors such as temperature, pressure, and the presence of impurities in the material. These factors can alter the density and molecular structure of the material, thus impacting the speed of light and the index of refraction.

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