Finding index of refraction using wavelength and 2 angles?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the index of refraction of a transparent material using the wavelength of light and two angles of incidence and refraction at a block/air interface. The original poster expresses uncertainty about the relevant formulas and the role of the wavelength in the context of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster considers using Snell's law for the calculation but questions the relevance of the wavelength given the problem's requirements. Some participants suggest that the extra information may serve to practice distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant data.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants exploring the implications of the problem's structure and the necessity of the provided variables. The original poster is contemplating reaching out to the professor for clarification.

Contextual Notes

The problem is part of a major programming assignment, which may influence the expectations regarding the use of all provided information.

maxfails
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Finding index of refraction using wavelength and 2 angles??

I'm not sure how to do a problem that involves a light ray striking a block/air interface, how to find the index of refraction of a transparent material when given the wavelength, the angle the light ray makes with respect to the normal when it enters and when it exits.

It's worded like this.

Model the following problem:
A light ray of wavelength (lambda) propagates in a transparent block of material and strikes a block/air interface at q1 to the normal When it emerges into the surrounding air it makes a q2 angle with the normal. What is the index of refraction of the material?
Test your model.



It is actually a programming assignment but that's not important now I'm just not sure which formulas (I'm sorry but formulae just looks and sounds way too nerdy) to use.
Because the question gave 3 variables I am assuming you need to involve all 3 of them in the calculation of the index of refraction, n. I was thinking you could use Snell's law since from what i remember the index of refraction of air is constant. But then what is the point of the wavelength?
 
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maxfails said:
But then what is the point of the wavelength?

It's not unusual for exercises to give more information than is actually needed for the solution. This is to give you practice in distinguishing between relevant and irrelevant information.
 


yea but the thing is, its not just some small exercise its actually a major assignment involving making a model in a program and creating a procedure to calculate is, so I'm not sure if they would give extra info on something like this.

guess i'll email the prof or something...
 

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