Angle of Refraction through a Prism

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the geometry involved in calculating angles of refraction and incidence in a prism. Specifically, it highlights that the angle of refraction at the left boundary (θ 2) and the angle of incidence at the right boundary (θ 3) sum to 60°, as stated in the textbook. This relationship is derived from the properties of the quadrilateral formed by the entry and exit points of the light within the prism. Understanding this geometric relationship is crucial for accurately explaining the refraction process to students.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law for refraction
  • Basic knowledge of geometric properties of triangles and quadrilaterals
  • Familiarity with angles of incidence and refraction
  • Concept of normals in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Snell's Law and its application in optical systems
  • Explore geometric properties of prisms and their effect on light behavior
  • Learn about the derivation of angle relationships in quadrilaterals
  • Investigate practical demonstrations of light refraction through prisms
USEFUL FOR

Physics educators, students studying optics, and anyone interested in the principles of light refraction through prisms.

Jason S
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Hello everyone,

I am trying to figure out how to explain an aspect of this question to my students, but cannot seem to recall the geometry that explains the textbook's approach.

In the figure below, for part (b) of the question, we are using the angles of refraction at the left boundary to calculate the angles of incidence at the right boundary.

In the book, it states that if we use the angle of refraction at the left boundary, θ 2, and the angle of incidence at the right boundary, θ 3, then, according to the diagram, θ 2 + θ 3 = 60°, "which is the angle in the top right of the triangle".

I cannot, for the life of me, determine which relationship they are using to come to that conclusion.

This is the only aspect of this question that I need assistance with.

TIA.

Question:

upload_2015-12-28_21-7-19.png


Part B:
upload_2015-12-28_21-7-37.png


Textbook Solution:
upload_2015-12-28_21-16-54.png
 
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Jason S said:
In the book, it states that if we use the angle of refraction at the left boundary, θ 2, and the angle of incidence at the right boundary, θ 3, then, according to the diagram, θ 2 + θ 3 = 60°, "which is the angle in the top right of the triangle".
to be clear, we're discussing the two angles to the normal inside the prism.
The entry and exit points, the apex of the prism, and the point where the normals meet form a quadrilateral. What do you notice about the opposite angles there?
 

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