Basic Refraction question. Kindly help

  • Thread starter Thread starter helpphysics
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Refraction
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving refraction, where a fisherman observes a rock at the bottom of a 20 cm deep stream. The key focus is on determining how deep the stream appears to the fisherman, using the index of refraction of water, which is 1.33. Participants discuss the application of the normal angle equation and the concept of apparent depth in relation to refractive index. One user expresses difficulty in applying the formula but seeks clarification on the underlying concepts. The conversation emphasizes understanding the theory behind refraction to solve the problem effectively.
helpphysics
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



A fisherman in a stream 20 cm deep looks downward into the water of stream
and sees a rock on the stream bed.
How deep does the stream appear to the fisherman?

Homework Equations


We Assume that the index of refraction of the water is 1.33.


The Attempt at a Solution


I am not able to apply the normal angle equation here..nuts !
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Kindly let me know the formula concept and i will calculate myself. I am really not getting it.
Thanks in advance
 
The formula is derived according to the following theory.
It's a method for measuring refractive index using apparent depth, but you can apply it to your problem quite easily.
RefIndex-1.jpg
 
Thanks mate. You really explained me the concept behind it too
Thanks once again. yoyo !
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top