Exit Angle & N2: Solving 26°-64°-90° Prism Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a two-part problem involving a 26°-64°-90° prism made of dense flint glass, with an index of refraction of 1.69, immersed in water with an index of 1.333. The first part requires calculating the exit angle θ4 of a light ray, which was incorrectly calculated as 51°. The correct approach involves using Snell's Law, specifically n1sin(θ1) = n2sin(θ2), to find θ4 accurately. The second part addresses the condition for total internal reflection, requiring the determination of the critical index of refraction n2.

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Homework Statement



This is a two part problem:

2) As shown in the figure, a light ray is incident normally on one face of a 26◦–64◦–90◦ block of dense flint glass (a prism) that immersed in water. Find the exit angle θ4 of the light ray (Assume the index of grass is 1.69, and that of water is 1.333.) Answer in units of ◦.

attachment.php?attachmentid=32011&stc=1&d=1297117641.jpg


3) A substance is dissolved in the water to increase the index of refraction. At what value of n2 does total internal reflection cease at point P ?

Homework Equations



n1sin\theta1=n2sin\theta2

The Attempt at a Solution



My work:

attachment.php?attachmentid=32012&stc=1&d=1297117724.jpg


attachment.php?attachmentid=32013&stc=1&d=1297117921.jpg


I put in the answer to number 2 and it said its wrong. What I am doing wrong? Can you guys guide me through the problem? TIA!
 

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Anybody?!
 
In problem 2, theta3 = 180 - (26 + 26 + 90)
 
So it would be:

\theta3=180-(26+26+90)=38\circ

n3sin\theta3=n4sin\theta4
1.69sin38=1.33sin\theta4
\frac{1.0405}{1.33}=sin\theta4
sin-10.7823=\theta4
51=\theta4

And #3 is right? TIA
 
*bump*
 
It looks OK.
 
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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