Angle Calculation for Equilateral Prism

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the angle at which light emerges from an equilateral crown glass prism after being incident at a specified angle. The problem involves the application of Snell's law and geometric considerations related to the angles within the prism.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Snell's law and the geometric properties of the prism. There is an attempt to calculate the angle of emergence by considering the angles involved in the triangle formed by the prism. Questions arise regarding the correct interpretation of the incident angle on the second face of the prism.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the need to first determine the angle at which the light strikes the second face before applying Snell's law again. There appears to be a lack of consensus on the correct approach, with some seeking clarification on the steps involved.

Contextual Notes

The original poster has indicated a specific angle of incidence and a refractive index, but there may be assumptions or missing details regarding the geometry of the prism and the light path that are not fully addressed in the discussion.

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Homework Statement


Light is incident on an equilateral crown glass prism at a thetain = 43.5o angle to one face, as seen in the figure below.
http://capa-new.colorado.edu/giancoli_lib/Graphics/Graph23/gian2351.gif
Calculate the angle (thetaout) at which light emerges from the opposite face. Assume that n = 1.52.

Homework Equations


ok so i did snells law and found it to be 26.94 deg.
so i know also that a triangle is 180 deg so i should just be able to subtract it all and get the answer

The Attempt at a Solution


well i subtracted it and got 109.56 deg and it was wrong
 
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work out the angle that it strikes the other face first and then apply Snell's law again.
 
i don't get what u mean by that?
 
The beam of light is refracted on the other surface of the prism, correct? What is the incident angle for that surface? Then you can work out the angle it leaves the prism.
 

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