At what angle does the light leave the glass?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the refraction of light as it passes from a glass block into a surrounding liquid, with specific indices of refraction provided. The original poster seeks to determine the angle at which light exits the glass after being incident at a known angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Snell's law to find the angle of refraction and question the correctness of their calculations. There is uncertainty regarding the signs of angles and the interpretation of results.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered calculations and interpretations of the angles involved, while others express confusion about the results and the methodology used. Multiple interpretations of the angles are being explored, but no consensus has been reached regarding the final answer.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of potential errors in calculations and the need to clarify the setup of the problem, particularly regarding the angles of incidence and refraction. The original poster's uncertainty about negative angles is also noted.

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Homework Statement


The drawing shows a rectangular block of glass (n = 1.52) surrounded by a liquid with n = 1.60. A ray of light is incident on the glass at point A with a 30.0° angle of incidence. At what angle does the ray leave the glass at point B?

http://edugen.wiley.com/edugen/courses/crs1507/art/qb/qu/c26/ch26p_18.gif


Homework Equations


n1sintheta1 = n2sintheta2



The Attempt at a Solution


(1.52)sin(30) = (1.6)sintheta2
theta2 = 28.359

I have no idea what I did wrong.. should the angle be negative??
 
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theta2 = 28.359
This is the angle of refraction at point A. From that find the angle of incidence on the surface containing point B.
 
Ohh, is this right then..?

sintheta2 = (1.6) sin30/1
theta2 = 53.13
 
Nevermind, I got it :] 53.13 degrees is the answer. Thanks!
 

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