Critical Angle Homework: Speed of Light in Material is 1.61x10^8 m/s

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SUMMARY

The critical angle for a ray of light leaving an unknown material surrounded by air is 32.4 degrees Celsius. The speed of light in the material is calculated to be 1.61 x 10^8 m/s, which aligns with the textbook answer. The refractive index is determined using the formula n = c/v, where c is the speed of light in a vacuum and v is the speed of light in the material. The initial calculation of 1.89 x 10^8 m/s was identified as incorrect due to a mathematical error.

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  • Understanding of Snell's Law and critical angle concepts
  • Familiarity with refractive index calculations
  • Basic knowledge of light speed in different media
  • Ability to perform trigonometric calculations
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  • Study the derivation of Snell's Law and its applications
  • Learn how to calculate refractive indices for various materials
  • Explore the relationship between critical angle and refractive index
  • Review trigonometric functions and their use in optics problems
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone preparing for exams involving light behavior in different materials.

jaron
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Homework Statement


the critical angle for a ray of light leaving an unknown material (surrounded by air) is
32.4'(degrees celsius). the speed of light in the material is:


Homework Equations


niSin(theda)c = nRSin(theda)R
(i am not sure how to make theda symbols on the computer)


The Attempt at a Solution


niSin32'/Sin32' = 1Sin90'/Sin32'
ni = 1/0.53
ni = 1.89x10^8 m/s
that's the answer that makes the most sense to me. but the back of my book has a different answer:
1.61x10^8 m/s (i have no idea how they got this)

i have a test on this stuff tomorrow
 
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Well you can find the refractive index with respect to air given the critical angle..

What are the ratios you can use to find the refractive index?
 
hmm ni =/= 1.89*10^8 ... I guessing that's just a typo.

1/0.53... is right. I'm not sure how you got your answer but I got 1.61*10^8.

n=c/v

It might just be a math error.
 

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