What is the Correct Equation for Deviation by a Thin Prism?

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SUMMARY

The correct equation for deviation by a thin prism involves understanding Snell's Law, which states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is a constant known as the refractive index. The confusion arose from the textbook's incorrect application of Snell's Law, where it stated "n = sin(refracted)/sin(incident)" without clarifying that this only applies when light transitions from air (n = 1) into another medium. The derivation should explicitly state the conditions under which this equation is valid to avoid misunderstandings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Familiarity with the concept of refractive index
  • Basic knowledge of light behavior at interfaces
  • Ability to analyze geometric optics problems
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of the deviation formula for thin prisms
  • Explore the applications of Snell's Law in different mediums
  • Learn about the conditions for the validity of refractive index equations
  • Investigate common misconceptions in optics textbooks
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Students of physics, particularly those studying optics, educators looking to clarify concepts in light behavior, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of light refraction through prisms.

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Homework Statement


This really is not a Homework question, but I guess it fits in here. So, according to snell's law the ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle of refraction is a constant called refractive index. But, in our textbook while deriving an expression for "Deviation by a thin prism", Snell's law seems to be used incorrectly. They have written "n = sin (refracted)/sin (incident)", which I do not understand, until now. Probably I'm wrong because I'm just a learner. Do you guys have any idea?

Homework Equations


A scan of the derivation, from our textbook:
1zof3g2.jpg

The Attempt at a Solution


I googled, but did not find anything interesting.
 
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General expression for Snell's law is
n1*sini1 = n2*sini2 where 1 suffices indicates the incident medium and suffices 2 indicates refracted medium.
Now apply the law to the face AC of the thin prism ABC.
 
rl.bhat said:
General expression for Snell's law is
n1*sini1 = n2*sini2 where 1 suffices indicates the incident medium and suffices 2 indicates refracted medium.
Now apply the law to the face AC of the thin prism ABC.

RL, I figured it out myself after asking the problem:)

The root of the problem arose from our textbook. They had, at first defined refractive index as "sin i/sin r" but did not mention that it only holds good in the case where a light ray falls from air(n = 1) into another medium. That's where I fell :)

Thanks for your reply.
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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