How Do You Calculate the Angle of an Emerging Light Beam in Refractive Layers?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on calculating the angle of an emerging light beam through multiple refractive layers with indices of refraction n1 = 1.58, n2 = 1.39, n3 = 1.21, and n4 = 1.00. The first part requires using Snell's Law to determine the angle of the emerging beam given an incident angle of 29.1 degrees. The second part addresses finding the incident angle necessary for total internal reflection at the boundary between n3 and n4. The user attempted calculations but encountered errors, indicating a need for clearer application of Snell's Law.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Knowledge of indices of refraction
  • Basic trigonometry, specifically inverse sine functions
  • Familiarity with the concept of total internal reflection
NEXT STEPS
  • Review Snell's Law calculations for multiple layers of refraction
  • Study the conditions for total internal reflection in optical physics
  • Practice problems involving light refraction through different media
  • Explore the implications of varying indices of refraction on light behavior
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Students preparing for physics exams, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior in different media.

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Homework Statement


I am preparing for a test. I really need help with this is problem. I uploaded a picture for the figure.
The figure below shows the path of a beam of light through several layers (n1 = 1.58, n2 = 1.39, n3 = 1.21 and n4 = 1.00) of different indices of refraction.

PART1 ASKS:
If
mimetex.gif
= 29.1o, what is the angle,
mimetex.gif
, of the emerging beam?

PART 2:
What must the incident angle,
mimetex.gif
, be in order to have total internal reflection at the surface between the n3 = 1.21 medium and the n4 = 1.00 medium?

Homework Equations



We have to use Snell's Law: which is n1sin=n2sin

The Attempt at a Solution



FOR PART 1: This is what I did:
I know N for 1 and 2. The angle is 29.1 as given. So...
[/B]
mimetex.gif
sin^-1=(n1/n2*sin) sin^-1=(1.58/1.39*sin29.1). I get .662 which is off.

For Part 2: I am clueless.

Please guide me.
 

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premed_love said:
mimetex.gif
sin^-1=(n1/n2*sin) sin^-1=(1.58/1.39*sin29.1). I get .662 which is off.
Your equation makes no sense to me. Try again? Start with Snell's law again, carefully.
 
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