[College Physics II: Waves/Optics] Index of Refraction

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a solid glass cube with a specified index of refraction and a central dark spot. The objective is to determine the minimum radius of black paper circles that can be placed on each face of the cube to obscure the spot from view from any angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster expresses confusion about how to begin solving the problem and seeks hints. Some participants suggest considering the concept of total internal reflection as a potential approach.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes hints related to total internal reflection, and the original poster indicates they have figured out the problem after receiving these hints. However, the specifics of their understanding or solution are not detailed.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's request for a hint suggests they may be working under constraints typical of homework assignments, where full solutions are not provided. The mention of Snell's Law indicates that the problem may involve principles of optics.

AgentRedfield
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Homework Statement


A solid glass cube with edge length of 10.0 mm and index of refraction n=1.75 has a small, dark spot dead center of the cube. Find the minimum radius of black paper circles that could be pasted at the center of each cube face to prevent the center spot from being seen, no matter what the direction of viewing.
Picture (link)
jh1AnCK.png

Homework Equations


Snell's Law (maybe?)
n1/n2=sin(θ2)/sin(θ1)

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm really confused where to even start. A hint in the right direction is all I'm hoping for. Thank you for your time.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hint: total internal reflection.
 
Simon Bridge said:
Hint: total internal reflection.
I was able to figure it out. Thank you!
 
Well done and no worries :)
 

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