Is My Calculation of Light Refraction and Wavelength in Water Correct?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of light refraction and wavelength changes when light transitions from air to water, specifically focusing on a sodium yellow light beam. The original poster presents two problems: one involving the angle of refraction and wavelength in water, and another concerning the angle of incidence when light reflects and refracts at perpendicular angles.

Discussion Character

  • Mixed

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Snell's law for the first part of the problem and expresses uncertainty about the setup. They also explore the relationship between angles in the second problem but encounter difficulties in applying the equations correctly.

Discussion Status

Some participants provide feedback on the first part of the problem, suggesting that the original poster's calculations appear correct but may benefit from further exploration of the relationships between angles. The second part of the problem lacks a clear resolution, with participants noting the absence of a definitive answer and discussing potential approaches without reaching consensus.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions uncertainty regarding their equation setup and expresses difficulty in solving the second problem, indicating potential gaps in information or understanding of the concepts involved.

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Could someone tell me if I did this right?
A narrow beam of sodium yellow light, with wavelength 589 nm in vacuum, is incident from air onto a smooth water surface at an angle of incidence of 35.0 degrees. Determine the angle of refraction and the wavelength of the light in water.
I did...
sin(35 degrees)=1.333*sin(theta)
theta = 25.486 degrees

589 nm = 1.333*lambda
lambda = 441.86

I'm just not sure I used the right equation/setup.

And I can't figure out this problem...
Unpolarized light in vacuum is incident onto a sheet of glass with index of refraction n. The reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to each other. Find the angle of incidence.
I figured Theta1 + Theta2 = 90 degrees
and I tried to find a way to solve it using sin(Theta1) = n*sin(Theta2) but it's not working out.

Thanks.
 
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The first part looks right to me I guess. Think about [tex]\Theta_2 = 90 - \Theta_1[/tex] and plug it into your formula. Remember that sin(90-x) = cos(x)
 
vsage said:
The first part looks right to me I guess. Think about [tex]\Theta_2 = 90 - \Theta_1[/tex] and plug it into your formula. Remember that sin(90-x) = cos(x)

I've tried it that way, I wasn't able to get anywhere with it.
 
I don't really see a definitive answer for part 2, but since [tex]sin(\theta_1) = n\times cos(\theta_1)[/tex], [tex]\theta_1 = tan^{-1}(n)[/tex]
 
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