Determine the largest value of angle optics problem

[frozen7]

A ray of light is normally incident on the face PQ of a plastic prism with an index of refraction n=1.25 as shown in Figure 1. Determine the largest value of angle \theta so that the ray is totally reflected at the face PR.

I just want to know whether the sum of the incidence and reflection angle must equal to right angle or not (for this diagram), does the ray of reflection must be perpendicular with the plane QR?

If that so, the maximum angle of \theta is equal to the critical angle,right?

 

[Gamma]

I can't view the diagram. I believe theta is the angle of incidence on side PR.

Do you know what is the condition for total internal reflection?

For smaller values of theta, the ray will pass through side PR and enter the air (say angle of refraction is \alpha). As you increase \theta, at one point the light will be reflected back into the prism. This angle is known as critical angle. This is what you need to find.

Write Snell's law for side PR. Now use the fact that

|(sin \alpha)| \leq 1

which should give you the largest angle \theta

Hope this helps.

 

[frozen7]

Nono, theta is actually the angle of the prism

 

[Gamma]

Still, since your angle of incidence on the first face (PQ) is 90 degrees, from geometry angle of incidence on the second face (PR) is \theta. So the critical angle of incidence on face PR is same as the critical angle of the prism.

 

[frozen7]

Is the sum of the incidence angle and reflection angle is always equal to 90 degrees in the prism?

 

[Gamma]

I just want to know whether the sum of the incidence and reflection angle must equal to right angle or not (for this diagram), does the ray of reflection must be perpendicular with the plane QR?

This will be true for a right prism with it's sides being equal in length. (I am sure there is a name for this type of triangles). i.e. if side PQ = QR and angle \angle PQR = 90. Draw a ray diagram on such a prism and see for your self.I was not able to see your diagram yesterday. Now I can see it and find that the
\angle QRP = \theta. This means

if the angle of incidence on face PR = \theta_1 then,

\theta = 90 - \theta_1I believe you can find the maximum value of \theta_1 as I described earlier. This will give you a minimum value for the prism angle \theta.

I know that your question ask for the largest value of theta. Could there be a mistake in your problem or diagram?

 

[frozen7]

There is no problem with the question and the diagram.

 

[Doc Al]

I just want to know whether the sum of the incidence and reflection angle must equal to right angle or not (for this diagram), does the ray of reflection must be perpendicular with the plane QR?

No; that's only true if \theta is 45 degrees.

If that so, the maximum angle of \theta is equal to the critical angle,right?

No, but the minimum angle of incidence to side PR will equal the critical angle. From that you can determine the maximum \theta.

 

[frozen7]

No, but the minimum angle of incidence to side PR will equal the critical angle. From that you can determine the maximum \theta.

Why is the minimum angle of incidence is equal with the maximm of theta?

 

[Doc Al]

If you draw the normal to side PR, you will see (with a little geometry) the simple relationship between theta and the angle of incidence.

 

[frozen7]

Yes, I know incidence , reflection angle and \theta is all the same when the reflection ray is perpendicular with QR ( sum of incidence and reflection is 90) . I am just not sure whether the reflection ray will always perpendicular with QR or not,no matter what is the value of \theta.

 

[Doc Al]

Yes, I know incidence , reflection angle and \theta is all the same when the reflection ray is perpendicular with QR ( sum of incidence and reflection is 90) .

That's true, but not relevant here.

I am just not sure whether the reflection ray will always perpendicular with QR or not,no matter what is the value of \theta.

No reason why it should be.

Hint: Consider the angle that the incident ray makes with PR. How does that relate to \theta?