Maximum angle of the refracted light beam

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The maximum entry angle of a light ray transitioning from air (n_a=1) into a cylindrical glass tube with an index of refraction of n_t=3/2, submerged in water (n_w=4/3), is determined using Snell's Law (n_1sin(x_1)=n_2sin(x_2)). The critical angle concept is essential, as the light must strike the edge of the glass at this angle to ensure total internal reflection. The possible answers for the maximum entry angle are arcsine(1/6), arcsin(√15/6), and arcsin(√17/6).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law for refraction
  • Knowledge of critical angles and total internal reflection
  • Familiarity with indices of refraction for different media
  • Basic geometry of light propagation in cylindrical structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Snell's Law and its applications in optics
  • Learn about critical angles and conditions for total internal reflection
  • Explore the behavior of light in cylindrical geometries
  • Investigate practical applications of refraction in optical devices
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators preparing lessons on light behavior in different media.

Tardis Traveller
Messages
5
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A light ray falls from the air (##n_a=1##) into the center of the upper surface of a long cilindrical glass tube with an index of refraction ##n_t=3/2##. The tube is submerged into water all the way to the upper edge and the waters index of refraction is ##n_w=4/3##. What is the maximum entry angle of the light ray at which it will only be traveling inside the glass?
a)##arcsine(1/6)##
b)##arcsin(\sqrt{15}/6)##
c)##arcsin(\sqrt{17}/6)##

Homework Equations


3. The Attempt at a Solution
I gues the snells law must be used ##n_1sin(x_1)=n_2sin(x_2)## but i don't get the problem. What is meant by maximum entry angle at which the beam will be traveling inside the cylinder only and how do i get that? I don't know my starting points. Could you hint?[/B]
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Tardis Traveller said:
dont get the problem
The light ray strikes the top of the cylinder at some angle. Refraction rotates it to a steeper angle within the glass. What might happen next?
 
haruspex said:
The light ray strikes the top of the cylinder at some angle. Refraction rotates it to a steeper angle within the glass. What might happen next?
I thought about it and i think the refracted ray inside the glass should come to the edge at a critical angle so that all of it gets reflected to the glass again and so on right?
 
Tardis Traveller said:
I thought about it and i think the refracted ray inside the glass should come to the edge at a critical angle so that all of it gets reflected to the glass again and so on right?
Yes, though I'm not sure what you mean by "and so on" there.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
5K
Replies
4
Views
8K
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K