How is lateral displacement (reflection/refraction) derived?

  • Thread starter Thread starter zell_D
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Displacement
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The derivation of the lateral displacement equation, S = t*sin(theta1 - theta2)/cos(theta2), is fundamentally linked to Snell's Law and trigonometric principles. In this context, S represents the lateral displacement of the incident ray, t denotes the width of the glass slab, theta1 is the angle of incidence, and theta2 is the angle of refraction. Understanding this derivation enhances comprehension of light behavior when transitioning between media of differing densities, such as air and glass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Snell's Law of Refraction
  • Basic Trigonometry
  • Understanding of Light Behavior in Different Media
  • Familiarity with Optical Physics Concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Snell's Law in detail
  • Explore trigonometric identities relevant to optics
  • Investigate the effects of light refraction in various materials
  • Learn about the applications of lateral displacement in optical devices
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior and refraction in different media.

zell_D
Messages
57
Reaction score
0
my book is only introductory and they only gave me the equation S = t*sin( theta1 -theta2)/cos(theta2), i like to know how its derived so i can better understand and memorize this... i know i can probably work this out myself but i don't know where to start

i am assuming it has something to do with snells law and trig, but I am bad at those
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Lateral displacement of what, exactly? It might help if you tell us what the the variables stand for.
 
when light goes from a less dense media to a more dense media (air to glass), it is refracted. if its a glass slab, it will be refracted again as it exits the slab. S = lateral displacement of the incidence ray. t = the width of the slab, theta 1 is the angle of incidence while theta 2 is the angle of refraction
 

Similar threads

Optics: refraction and reflection
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Derive trig equations 4, 5, and 6 from 1, 2, and 3
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Diffraction grating problem involving Snell's Law
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Multiplayer Refraction, Incident Angle
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
11K
Index of when refraction/optics question
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Total Internal Reflection and Transmitted Wavelength
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Graduate Interpretation of Lagrangian solution (complex numbers)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Interference of light Intensity
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Needs clarity on this displacement vector diagram
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Find Angle of Reflection for Snell's Law Q w/ GaP Index
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K