Finding the Critical Angle of Glass in Water

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SUMMARY

The critical angle for a special glass in air is established at 44 degrees. When this glass is immersed in water, the critical angle increases to 68 degrees. This calculation utilizes the formula sin(critical angle) = 1/index of refraction, applying the index of refraction values of air (1.00) and water (1.333). The relationship is derived from Snell's Law, specifically using the equation n1sinQ = n2sinQ.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Familiarity with the concept of critical angle
  • Knowledge of index of refraction values
  • Basic trigonometry for solving sine functions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the derivation of Snell's Law and its applications
  • Learn about the behavior of light in different media
  • Explore the concept of total internal reflection
  • Investigate the effects of varying indices of refraction on critical angles
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the principles of light refraction and critical angles.

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Homework Statement


The critical angle for a special glass in air is 44 degrees. What is the critical angle if the glass is immersed in water?


Homework Equations


sin(critical angle) = 1/index of refraction

index of refraction of air is 1.00
index of refraction of water is 1.333

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no clue where to start that's the problem :S.

Just for reference, the textbook answer is 68 degrees.

Thanks.
 
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qszwdxefc said:
sin(critical angle) = 1/index of refraction
Hint: That's only true if the surrounding medium has n = 1. (How is the critical angle formula derived?)
 
Ah, Snell's Law where \theta_2 = 90^\circ.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
Have you tried using the eqaution n1sinQ=n2sinQ
by the way the one is just saying its the first refractive index, and the Q is theta.
Maybe you could try this eqaution.
Thanks I hope that helps... :cool:

qszwdxefc said:

Homework Statement


The critical angle for a special glass in air is 44 degrees. What is the critical angle if the glass is immersed in water?


Homework Equations


sin(critical angle) = 1/index of refraction

index of refraction of air is 1.00
index of refraction of water is 1.333

The Attempt at a Solution


I have no clue where to start that's the problem :S.

Just for reference, the textbook answer is 68 degrees.

Thanks.
 

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