Help With Physics Midterm Question: Part C

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a physics midterm question regarding the time taken for light to travel through air versus fiber optics. Participants confirmed that the refractive index of glass is crucial for understanding how light slows down in fiber compared to air. They emphasized using geometric principles to calculate the path length of light within the fiber, suggesting that the critical angle and the refractive index are key concepts to explore. The advice provided encourages a focus on the geometry of light travel rather than the complexities of multiple reflections.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refractive index and its implications on light speed
  • Familiarity with geometric optics, particularly triangles and angles
  • Knowledge of critical angle concepts in optics
  • Basic principles of light behavior in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the relationship between refractive index and light speed in different materials
  • Learn how to calculate the critical angle for various substances
  • Explore geometric optics problems involving light paths and reflections
  • Investigate the principles of fiber optics and their applications in telecommunications
USEFUL FOR

Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior in different media.

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I got this question in a practice midterm and i can't seem to even start this problem, i tried using my textbook (university physics) and nothing to be found in there either.

Does anyone know start this problem?

thanks
so we were able to to get part a and b.

on part c we were able to get the time taken for light to travel in air but what would be the difference of the light traveling inside the fiber? does it slow down?
 
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a) From the geometry you can also get the number of times it bounces in terms of N - just work out the length of one bounce in 'n' and angle.
 
The triangle shown on the diagram will help you to calculate the length of the 'long route' compared with the 'direct route'. Hint: you can ignore the multiple reflections - just assume the fibre is as broad as you want and work it out for one huge triangle! The distances involved will be the same.
The refractive index of the glass tells you the ratio of speed in air and in the fibre.
There's loads in every textbook about critical angle and how to find it from the refractive index.
I don't think you should need any more help. Get your thinking cap on.
 

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