Index of Refraction of a lens+mirror

In summary, the question asks for the index of refraction of a lens with a radius of curvature of 18cm on both sides, one of which is coated with silver. The overall effect is that of a mirror with a focal length of 5cm. Using the equation 1/f = (n-1)(1/R1-1/R2), the incorrect assumption is made that R2 is 10cm instead of 5cm. The correct answer is 1.4.
  • #1
Erubus
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0

Homework Statement


The radius of curvature of both sides of a converging lens is 18 cm. One side of the lens is coated with silver so that the inner surface is reflective. When light is incident on the uncoated side it passes through the lens, reflects off the silver coating, and passes back through the lens. The overall effect is that of a mirror with focal length 5.0 cm. What is the index of refraction of the lens material? (Answer 1.4)


Homework Equations



[itex]\frac{1}{f}[/itex]=(n-1)([itex]\frac{1}{R1}[/itex]-[itex]\frac{1}{R2}[/itex])

The Attempt at a Solution


I plugging in 5cm for f and 18cm for R1. For R2 I thought that because the mirror half of the lens has a focal length of 5cm, that the radius of the the silver coated side would be 10cm. I plug this into R2 however, this is incorrect probably because I'm not clear how the radius of curvature could change for either side, when it is stated at the beginning that both sides are 18cm.
 
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  • #2
because the mirror half of the lens has a focal length of 5cm, that the radius of the the silver coated side would be 10cm
You appear to have misread the question - the focal length of lens + mirror is 5cm.
The focal length for the mirror side by itself is not 5cm.
 
  • #3
Got it, thanks.
 

1. What is the index of refraction of a lens or mirror?

The index of refraction of a lens or mirror is a measure of how much light bends as it passes through or reflects off the surface. It is a dimensionless number that indicates how fast light travels through the material compared to its speed in a vacuum.

2. How is the index of refraction determined?

The index of refraction is determined by measuring the speed of light in a given material and comparing it to the speed of light in a vacuum. This can be done using various techniques such as Snell's law or the critical angle method.

3. What factors affect the index of refraction of a lens or mirror?

The index of refraction of a lens or mirror is affected by the type of material it is made of, the wavelength of light passing through it, and the temperature of the material. It can also be affected by external factors such as pressure or electric fields.

4. How does the index of refraction impact the behavior of light in a lens or mirror?

The index of refraction dictates how light will bend or reflect when passing through a lens or mirror. A higher index of refraction indicates a slower speed of light, resulting in a greater degree of bending or reflection. This is what allows lenses to focus light and mirrors to reflect images.

5. What is the relationship between the index of refraction and the focal length of a lens?

The index of refraction and the focal length of a lens have an inverse relationship. This means that as the index of refraction increases, the focal length decreases. This is why lenses with higher indexes of refraction are able to bend light more, resulting in a shorter focal length and a greater degree of magnification.

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