Index of refraction optics problem

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a ray of light striking a glass pane at an angle of incidence and reflecting off a mirror behind the pane. The task is to determine the displacement of the beam compared to its path if the pane were not present, considering the index of refraction of the glass and the geometry of the setup.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the angle of refraction and the length of the ray within the glass, seeking guidance on how to find the displacement. Some participants question the setup after realizing the presence of the mirror, while others explore the geometric relationships in the scenario.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively discussing the geometry involved in the problem, with some suggesting the use of trigonometry and Pythagorean theorem to find the displacement. There is a recognition of the complexity of the approach, and the discussion is ongoing without a clear consensus on the method to be used.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the angles involved in the triangle formed by the points related to the light path and the mirror, which may influence the calculations. The original poster has also provided an image to illustrate the problem, which may aid in visualizing the scenario.

brad sue
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Hey , I need some indication to solve this problem:

A ray light impinges at a 60 degres angle of incidence on a glass pane of thickness 5mm and index of refraction of 1.54.
the ligth is reflected by a mirror that touches the back of the pane. By how much is the beam displaced compared with the return path it would have if the pane were absent?


I found the angle x --normal with the refracted ray. x= 34.2 degres.
I also found the length of the ray entering in the glass (up to the mirror)--L= 5.10-3\ cos(x)=6.0 10-3m

From here what can I do to find the displacement?
I attach a picture of the problem.

Thank you
 

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Edit: Ah I misread the question (didn't realize there was a mirror).
 
Last edited:
See my image, where the capital letters are points and 'd' is the displacement.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8789/optics9xq.gif

In the situation [tex]\angle EBF = 90 - 60 = 30[/tex]. Which indicates that [tex]\angle BEF = 180 - 30 - ( 90 + 30 ) = 30[/tex] as points BEF form a triangle (which have a maximum of 180 degress, so from that subtract [tex]\angle EBF[/tex] then [tex]\angle BFE[/tex]).

Now I'm pretty sure [tex]\angle FCE[/tex] forms a right angle. If they do you then get a whole series of right angle triangles and using trignomentry and pythagoras's theroem enable you to work out "d".

This is probably a cumbersome way of going about it, but its the only way I can see at the moment.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Beam me down said:
See my image, where the capital letters are points and 'd' is the displacement.

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/8789/optics9xq.gif

In the situation [tex]\angle EBF = 90 - 60 = 30[/tex]. Which indicates that [tex]\angle BEF = 180 - 30 - ( 90 + 30 ) = 30[/tex] as points BEF form a triangle (which have a maximum of 180 degress, so from that subtract [tex]\angle EBF[/tex] then [tex]\angle BFE[/tex]).

Now I'm pretty sure [tex]\angle FCE[/tex] forms a right angle. If they do you then get a whole series of right angle triangles and using trignomentry and pythagoras's theroem enable you to work out "d".

This is probably a cumbersome way of going about it, but its the only way I can see at the moment.
Make more sense now. Thank you I will try to go from here.
B.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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