Finding the Velocity of Light through an Unknown substance

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The discussion revolves around calculating the speed of light in an unknown medium using Snell's Law and the index of refraction. The participant initially misinterpreted the angles and calculated the index of refraction as 1.196, leading to an incorrect speed of light value. Upon realizing the error, they acknowledged that the law of reflection indicates that the angles θ1 and θ3 should be equal. This correction clarified the approach needed to accurately apply Snell's Law. Ultimately, the participant expressed gratitude for the guidance received in resolving their misunderstanding.
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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!
 
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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!
 
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