Fiber Optic Refraction: Calculating Light Ray Distance and Reflections

AI Thread Summary
A user seeks help calculating the distance a light ray travels in a fiber optic cable with a diameter of 10^-4 mm and an index of refraction of 1.6, entering at a 15-degree angle. The discussion revolves around the correct application of Snell's Law and the angles involved, with confusion about the angle of incidence and refraction. After some back and forth, it is clarified that using trigonometry, specifically sine functions, leads to the correct distance of approximately 3.9 x 10^-4 m. The final consensus emphasizes the importance of using the sine function to determine the length traveled by the light ray. The discussion concludes with users expressing appreciation for the collaborative problem-solving process.
kelvin_ng
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Question:

A ray of light enters a light fiber at an angle of 15degree with the long axis of the fiber. Calculate the distance the light ray travels between succesive reflections off the sides of the fiber has an index of refraction 1.6 and is 10^{-4}mm in diameter.
 
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the answer given is L = 3.9 x 10^{-4} m.
 
what is the solution to this question?
I just can't get to the answer.
 
is it using n = sine i/sine r or n = 1 / sine c?
and is it i = 90degree - 15degree = 75degree?
i don't know actually what the question mean by.
Can someone help me?
 
kelvin_ng said:
is it using n = sine i/sine r or n = 1 / sine c?
and is it i = 90degree - 15degree = 75degree?
i don't know actually what the question mean by.
Can someone help me?

I think index of refraction = sin(angle of incidence)/sin(angle of refraction)
 
kelvin_ng said:
is it using n = sine i/sine r or n = 1 / sine c?
and is it i = 90degree - 15degree = 75degree?
i don't know actually what the question mean by.
Can someone help me?

I think you need to use 75 degrees.
 
but then i get the angle of refraction is 37.14 degree.
then what else i could do to get L = 3.9 x 10^{-4} m ?
 
I don't think the angle of reflection has anything to do with the refractive index, if total internal reflection takes places.

"A ray of light enters a light fiber at an angle of 15degree with the long axis of the fiber. Calculate the distance the light ray travels between succesive reflections off the sides of the fiber has an index of refraction 1.6 and is 10^-4mm in diameter."

I get an answer 3.7320508075688776*10^-4 using a computer.

We find that tan(incidence)=diameter/(distance between each reflection)

Therefore tan(pi/12)=10^-4/x

Regards,
Sleek.
 
Last edited:
lolx, i know what to do now.
I just get the answer.
Just by using trigonometri. 10^-4 / sin 15 to find the hipotenus.
 
  • #10
Ops, I think i blundered. I found the length of fiber traveled by light instead. Yes, you have to use sine. Answer come out to be 3.86*10^-4 ~ 3.9*10^-4mm. Sorry about that.
 
  • #11
No need to sorry.. ^^
Is very nice that u guyz is tryin to help.
 

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