Calculating Delta for Red & Violet Light in a Rainbow

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the angle \(\delta\) for red and violet light in a rainbow, using the refraction indices \(n_{1}=1.46\) for red and \(n_{2}=1.47\) for violet light. The relevant equations include \(\delta=4\beta-2\alpha\) and \(\delta=4\arcsin\left(\frac{1}{n}\sin\alpha\right)-2\alpha\). The user seeks to determine the angle \(\alpha\) to subsequently calculate \(\delta\). Clarification on the specific angle in question is also requested, indicating a need for further information to proceed.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refraction indices in optics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and arcsine calculations
  • Knowledge of geometric principles related to angles in polygons
  • Basic algebra for solving equations with multiple variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of Snell's Law for light refraction
  • Study the properties of angles in polygons, specifically quadrilaterals
  • Learn about the application of arcsine in optical calculations
  • Explore numerical methods for solving systems of equations with two unknowns
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Students studying optics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the mathematical calculations related to light refraction and rainbow formation.

Lindsayyyy
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Hi everyone

Homework Statement



Let's say we observe a rainbow. We know the refraction index of the red and violet light, let's call them [tex]n_{1}=1.46[/tex]and [tex]n_{2}1.47[/tex] Now I want to calculate the angle [tex]\delta[/tex]




Homework Equations



In a square the total angle is 360°, so we have:

[tex]360°= \delta+\alpha+\alpha+(360°-4\beta)[/tex]

and

[tex]\delta= 4\beta-2\alpha=4arcsin(\frac {1} {n} sin\alpha)-2\alpha[/tex]




The Attempt at a Solution



Thats my attempt thus far, which I wrote down in the relevant equations. I have two unkown variables, alpha and delta and I want to calculate alpha. Is there a way to calculate alpha in order to get delta?

Thanks for your help
 
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What angle are you trying to calculate? Maybe it's just me but it isn't clear to me what angle is in question.
 
Wow, I failed, I wanted to attach a file, sorry for that. I want to calculate delta, but I need to find alpha first and I don't know how.
 

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