Max Angle of Incidence for Light Ray in Water-Glass System

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the maximum angle of incidence for light transitioning from glass to water and then to air. The initial calculation attempted was based on the refractive indices of water (1.33) and glass (1.5), yielding an angle of 62.46 degrees, which was incorrect. Participants noted the importance of considering both the glass-water and water-air interfaces in the calculation. Ultimately, the correct approach involves applying Snell's Law at both boundaries to find the accurate maximum angle. The solution emphasizes the need to account for the thickness of the water layer and multiple refractions.
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[SOLVED] Max angle of incidence...help!

Homework Statement


A 1-cm-thick layer of water stands on a horizontal slab of glass. Light from a source within the glass is incident on the glass-water boundary. What is the maximum angle of incidence for which the light ray can emerge into the air above the water? (Give your answer in degrees.)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Isn't this just theta = sin^-1 * (1.33/1.5) = 62.46 degrees but that's not right. And I probably need to do something with the 1 cm thick layer of water but I don't know what?
 
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There are two interfaces. The glass-water interface and the water-air interface.
 
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oh wait yea I got it thanks!
 
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