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

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SUMMARY

The maximum angle of incidence for a light ray transitioning from glass to air through a 1-cm-thick layer of water is determined by Snell's Law. The correct calculation involves considering both the glass-water and water-air interfaces. The refractive indices are 1.5 for glass and 1.33 for water, leading to a maximum angle of incidence of 62.46 degrees at the glass-water boundary. This angle ensures that the light ray can emerge into the air above the water.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law and refraction principles
  • Knowledge of refractive indices (1.5 for glass, 1.33 for water)
  • Basic concepts of light behavior at interfaces
  • Familiarity with geometry related to angles of incidence and refraction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Snell's Law in detail, focusing on its applications in multi-layer systems
  • Explore the concept of total internal reflection and its conditions
  • Investigate the effects of varying thickness in layers of different media on light propagation
  • Learn about practical applications of optics in engineering and design
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior in layered media.

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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.
 
Last edited:
oh wait yea I got it thanks!
 

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