Geometric Optics: Snell's Law calculation problem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in geometric optics, specifically applying Snell's Law to calculate the angle of incidence when light transitions from diamond to air. The original poster presents a scenario with given indices of refraction and an angle of refraction, seeking clarification on their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to rearrange Snell's Law to find the angle of incidence but questions their result. Some participants suggest that the angle of refraction may have been misidentified, while others explore the implications of the medium transition.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively questioning the setup of the problem, particularly the direction of light travel between the media. There is a recognition of potential confusion in the problem statement, with some suggesting that the original question may contain errors. Multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted ambiguity regarding the direction of light travel, with participants discussing whether the angle of refraction is correctly attributed to air or diamond. The original poster's calculations and the provided answer are also under scrutiny.

StupidGenius
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Homework Statement


Calculate the angle of incidence for an angle of refraction of 10° for
a) Diamond (2.42) to air


θ2=Angle of refraction=10°
n2=Index of refraction on refractive medium=1
n1=index of refraction on incident medium=2.42
θ1=?


Homework Equations


n1sinθ1=n2sinθ2


The Attempt at a Solution


The book's answer tells me the answer is 24.8°

I rearranged the equation to find theta1 or the angle of incidence
θ1=sin inverse(n2sinθ2/n1)

I substituted the values and I got 4.1°

Can someone help me? I can't figure out what I did wrong. Light is coming from a dense medium to a less dense medium (diamond to air) so where the incident ray originated from the dense medium which is n2. So confused..
 
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Looks like the 10 degree angle is in the diamond, not in the air.
 
Redbelly98 said:
Looks like the 10 degree angle is in the diamond, not in the air.

Doesn't the light refract in the rare medium meaning the angle of refraction is in the air?
 
StupidGenius said:
Doesn't the light refract in the rare medium meaning the angle of refraction is in the air?

Depends what the question is...

in the question, is light traveling from air to diamond or from diamond to air?

if latter case is correct then your set up seems to be right...

if the first case is correct then set up must be changed
 
Okay, reading things more carefully, it looks like whoever wrote this question messed up.

The question statement says "diamond to air", suggesting diamond is the incident medium. The refracted angle (10°) would then be in air.

But the given answer, 24.8°, implies they meant things the other way around.

4.1° is correct, given what the question asked.
 

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