How is the refractive index of water calculated in rainbow formation?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the refractive index of water in rainbow formation using angles of incidence and refraction. Participants clarify the correct angles to use, with the correct values being i = 53° and r = 39°, leading to a refractive index of approximately 1.27. There is confusion regarding the placement of the normal line, which should be perpendicular to the water's surface at the point of incidence. Once the correct understanding of the normal line is established, the participant confirms their revised labeling is accurate. This highlights the importance of precise measurements and understanding geometric principles in optics.
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Homework Statement


The diagrams below illustrate the formation of a rainbow. Figure 1 shows the general arrangement and Figure 2 shows the path of a ray through a raindrop with the centre of the raindrop is labelled O.

Figure 1:
Raindrop1.jpg


Figure 2:
Raindrop2.jpg


a.)
Where the ray enters the raindrop in Figure 2, mark the angle of incidence i and the angle of refraction, r.

b.)
Figure 2 is drawn to scale. By taking suitable measurements, show that the refractive index of water is about 1.3.


Homework Equations


\mu = \frac{\sin i}{\sin r}


The Attempt at a Solution


a.)
Raindrop2Attempt.jpg

^ Have I labelled it correct?

b.)
I measured the angle that I have labelled above and got i = 25^\circ and r = 35^\circ and this gives \mu = 0.74. This is incorrect. The correct answer is i = 53, \ r = 39, \ \implies \mu = 1.27. Where have I gone wrong here?
 
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The normal should be perpendicular to the water's surface.
 
So, is it like this?

Raindrop2Attempt2.jpg
 
Or, is it like this? :confused:

Raindrop2Attempt3.jpg
 
You just seem to be drawing random lines lol...

The normal line on a spherical surface at some point P is always the line that goes from P through the center of the circle.

In other words; if you draw a straight line through the center of a circle, then at the points where it intersects the circle the angle between the line and the circle (at that point) is exactly 90 degrees, or perpendicular.
 
Nick89 said:
You just seem to be drawing random lines lol...

The normal line on a spherical surface at some point P is always the line that goes from P through the center of the circle.

In other words; if you draw a straight line through the center of a circle, then at the points where it intersects the circle the angle between the line and the circle (at that point) is exactly 90 degrees, or perpendicular.

Oooh, I understand now. I guess it is this:

Raindrop2Attempt4.jpg


Am I correct?
 
Last edited:
Yes, that looks good.
 
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