Indices of refraction when wavelengths are given

AI Thread Summary
A parallel beam of light with wavelengths of 400 nm and 650 nm enters a silicate flint glass prism at a 49-degree angle of incidence. The discussion revolves around calculating the indices of refraction for each wavelength using the formula lambda o/lambda n. Confusion arises when the calculated index for the second wavelength results in a value less than one, which is deemed incorrect. Ultimately, the original poster finds the indices of refraction posted by their teacher online, resolving the issue. The conversation highlights the importance of accurate data for solving optics problems.
oooo
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
A parallel beam of light containing two wavelengths, 1 = 400 nm and 2 = 650 nm, enters the silicate flint glass of an equilateral prism with an angle of incidence of 49 degrees. At what angle, relative to the normal, does each beam leave the prism?

This seems simple, but previously, I had solved somilar problems when the indices of refraction were given. So, I checked my textbook and it said that to find the indices of refraction use the formula lambda o/ lambda n. So I tried this and divided 589 nm (isn't this the speed of sound in a vacuum??) by 400 nm to get 1.4725. However, I noticed that for the second ray, the index ( 589 nm/ 650 nm) results in a number that is less than one. This cannot be right. Please help me find the indices of refraction so I can continue with this problem!
Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
never mind

Never mind, you do not need to help me with this... my teacher just posted the indices on our website now... Thanks anyway!
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Indices of refraction when wavelengths are given
Replies
2
Views
2K
Problem involving interference and medium with index n
Replies
1
Views
1K
Refraction of light when traveling from air to glass
Replies
6
Views
1K
Calculating Index of Refraction with Wavelength
Replies
1
Views
2K
Estimating Error in Wavelength from Graphical Approach
Replies
11
Views
1K
How Is Destructive Interference Achieved in a Liquid Film on Glass?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Optical Prism: Refractive Index & Light Rays
Replies
7
Views
2K
The thickness of glass and the longest wavelength
Replies
1
Views
4K
How do I find refractive index uncertainties?
Replies
3
Views
4K
What is the effect of light on the weight of a glass prism?
Replies
4
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top