Recent content by jfulky

Thank you for the explanation, the problem is actually extremely simple, I don't know why I missed that insight! As a side note: when dealing with light ray problems, is it reasonable to align the light ray in any way you want that simplifies the problem? I sometimes struggle with what to assume...

Homework Statement 3. A fiber optic cable is essentially a thin fiber of plastic with n = 1.46, surrounded by a protective material with n = 1.32. The light can travel around a bend in the fiber if it can internally reflect inside the fiber. If the diameter of the fiber is d = 0.900 mm find the...

Homework Statement A steel rod and an aluminum rod of equal length and diameter are placed end to end and secured so that they cannot flex. The rods are heated to the same final temperature, and the steel is found to increase in length by one-tenth of a percent. If the total length of the rods...