Angular Spread Of Blue and Red Light Through Plastic

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the angular spread of blue and red light as they exit a plastic block into the air, using Snell's law. The index of refraction for blue light is 1.46 and for red light is 1.39, with a white light beam incident at a 45° angle. Calculations show that blue light exits at approximately 28.97° and red light at about 31.33°. The participant seeks clarification on the implications for white light, questioning its wavelength and how it relates to the provided data. The conversation emphasizes the need to understand how different wavelengths affect the angle of refraction.
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Homework Statement


The index of refraction for blue light in plastic is 1.46 and for red light is 1.39. Determine the angular spread of the spectrum leaving the plastic block [presumably to air] for a beam of white light incident at angle of 45° to the plastic block.

Homework Equations


n1/n2=sinI/sinR

The Attempt at a Solution


They are asking for white light, but I am only given blue and red?
Using Snell's law to find:

Blue - 1.46/1=sin45/sinX
sinX=0.48
X= 28.97

Red - 1.39/1=sin45/sinY
sinY=0.52
Y=31.33

Is that right? Would blue would leave at 28.97° and red at 31.33°. What about white light?

Thanks.
 
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What wavelength is white light?
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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