Finding the Velocity of Light through an Unknown substance

  • Thread starter Thread starter OnceKnown
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light Velocity
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of light in an unknown medium using Snell's Law and the velocity of light equation. The known indices of refraction are n1 = 1.2 and the angles are f2 = 60° and f3 = 29.9°. The correct application of Snell's Law led to the determination of the unknown index of refraction, n2 = 1.196. The final calculation for the speed of light in the second medium was incorrectly computed as 2.5 x 108 m/s, prompting further clarification on angle usage.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law and its application in optics
  • Familiarity with the velocity of light equation, n = c/v
  • Basic knowledge of angles and trigonometric functions
  • Ability to manipulate equations and solve for unknown variables
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the application of Snell's Law in different media
  • Learn about the properties of light refraction and reflection
  • Explore advanced optics concepts, including total internal reflection
  • Investigate the implications of varying indices of refraction on light speed
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics enthusiasts, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of light behavior in different media.

OnceKnown
Messages
20
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



32-005.gif

In the above figure, a ray of light is incident upon the interface between two media having indices of refraction n1 = 1.2 and n2, which is unknown. The known angles are f2 = 60° and f3 = 29.9°. (Note that the angles in the diagram may not be accurate.) What is the speed of light in the second medium?


Homework Equations


Snell's Law n_{1}sin θ_{1} = n_{2}sin θ_{2}

And the velocity of light equation:

n = \frac{c}{v_{n}}

The Attempt at a Solution


Since the Angles given aren't the "true" angles that are used in Snell's Law

I took each angle and subtract them from 90° to get θ_{2} = 30° and θ_{3} = 60.1°

From there, I calculated that θ_{1} = 29.9°

I took the variables n_{1} = 1.2 and θ_{1} & θ_{2} and plugged them into the Snell's Formula to get n_{2} = 1.196 as the index of refraction of the unknown substance.

I then plugged that calculation into the velocity formula to get 2.5 x 10^{8}, but I get that as the wrong answer.

I don't know where I went wrong with this. Thank you for your help!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
OnceKnown said:
I took each angle and subtract them from 90° to get θ_{2} = 30° and θ_{3} = 60.1°

From there, I calculated that θ_{1} = 29.9°

What does the "law of reflection" tell you about θ1 and θ3.
 
The Law's of reflection would state that θ_{1} = θ_{3}. I then got the angle as 60.1 degrees. I was looking at the picture incorrectly and used the wrong angles that were required for snell's Law. I got it now!

Thanks TSny!
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K