How Does Light Refract Through a Prism with Different Angles?

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Light entering a glass prism at an angle of incidence of 54° is analyzed using Snell's law, resulting in an initial angle of refraction of 28.4°. To find the next angle of refraction, it is necessary to apply knowledge of triangle properties, as the prism's apex and the ray create a triangle with known angles. The geometry of the prism, with base angles of 80° and an apex angle of 20°, aids in determining the incident angle on the second side of the prism. The discussion emphasizes the importance of visualizing the ray's path and using geometric relationships to solve for unknown angles. Understanding these principles is crucial for accurately calculating light refraction through a prism.
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Homework Statement



Light is incident on a glass prism with an angle of incidence of 54°. The light enters on the left hand side of a triangular prism with base angles of 80° and apex angle of 20°. (The 54° ray of incidence enters from the south west side of the prism, directed towards the north east). Calculate all the angles as a ray of light travels through a prism. Assume that the prism is surrounded with air therefore n=1, also the n value of the prism is n=1.7.

Homework Equations



snell's law: n1sinΘ1=n2sinΘ2

The Attempt at a Solution


With the given information i drew the image and determined through snell's law that the first angle of refraction (Θ2) equals 28.4°... I don't understand how to find Θ3.
 
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You have to use you knowledge of triangles and angles to work out an incident angle to the second side.
Since you have a sketch, you can continue the ray into the prism until it strikes the other side.
The ray and the apex of the prism will make a triangle where you know two of the angles.
 

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