How do you find the difference in the angle of refraction?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the refraction of light as it passes through crown glass, specifically focusing on the difference in the angle of refraction for orange and violet light. The original poster presents the angle of incidence and the indices of refraction for both colors of light.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the need to apply Snell's law to find the angles of refraction for both colors. Questions arise regarding the setup of the problem and the relationship between the angle of incidence and the angles of refraction.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance on applying Snell's law and clarifying the nature of the question. There is an ongoing exploration of how to set up the calculations based on the provided indices of refraction and wavelengths.

Contextual Notes

Participants note confusion regarding the application of the indices of refraction and the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction. The original poster expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem with the given information.

angiep410
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Homework Statement


Sunlight strikes a piece of crown glass at an angle of incidence of 36.7 degrees. Calculate the difference in the angle of refraction between a orange (610. nm) and a violet (410. nm) ray within the glass. The indices of refraction for the orange and the violet are n = 1.522 and n = 1.538, respectively

Homework Equations



I know that the angle of incidence = the angle of reflection

The Attempt at a Solution



I don't really know how to solve this with the information I'm given. I have no idea where to start. Can someone help me?
 
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This is REFRACTION you need the relationship between Sini and Sinr
 
technician said:
This is REFRACTION you need the relationship between Sini and Sinr

so then I'm even more confused. So I have sin(36.7)= ? How do I set it up?
 
angiep410 said:


I know that the angle of incidence = the angle of reflection



This shows me that you're not quite sure what you're being asked.

In every material, the 'n' value (index of refraction) is a function of wavelength. Each wavelength in the visible range of light is received by our eyes as different colours.
The question is asking you: If a beam of white light (containing all wavelengths) strikes the glass at angle ∅, what will be the difference in the refracted angle between orange and violet.

All you have to do is apply snell's law twice (to each colour), and compare the answers.
 
But I'm given that the wavelength of orange is 610 nm and the indices of refraction is n = 1.522 and the wavelength of violet is 410 nm and the indices of refraction is n = 1.538. So How do I set it up if I'm given all of this information?
 

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