Refractive Index and Angle of Refraction in Perspex Container Filled with Water

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the behavior of light as it passes through different media, specifically a perspex container filled with water. The original poster presents a scenario involving the angles of refraction when light enters the container at a specified angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Snell's law to determine the angles of refraction in water, perspex, and air. They express certainty about the angle of refraction in water but seek assistance with the subsequent calculations. Some participants inquire about the original poster's progress and where they are encountering difficulties.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with the original poster having calculated the angle of refraction in water. They have identified the refractive index of perspex and are seeking guidance on how to proceed with the calculations for the remaining parts of the question. There is an acknowledgment of confusion and frustration regarding the next steps.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a hint regarding the need to consider the refractive index when light transitions from water to plastic, suggesting that assumptions about the interface between these media are being examined.

benhorris
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Light ray goes into a container at 70 degrees, the container is made of perspects. The refective index of perspex is 1.48.

What are the angles of refraction in (i) the water; (ii) the plastic, (iii) the air below the tank.

I can't work it out, the answer to the first bit is 26 degrees, i know that for sure, thanks...
 
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Please show us what you have done so far and where you are stuck.
 
ok using snells law, n (refractive index) = sin i / sin r, i have worked out the first one which equals

sin 20 / 1.33 = sin r (the refractive index is 1.33 for water)

= 26 degrees

next i need to find the refractive index of the perspects which is 1.48, done!
the hint for the question is " You need to work out the refractive index when light goes from water to plastic – just imagine a thin layer of air between them."

hum, i thought, i tryed all different ways of doing it without any joy, so I am stuck, confused and irritated.
 
Please note that the container is made of perspects, filled with water. The orginal ray of light came into the water at 70 degrees and i have worked out that the refraction of the light ray is 26 degrees. Just need to find the other two parts to the question...
 

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