Measuring the Angle of Refraction in a Triangular Prism Lab

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The discussion focuses on a lab experiment involving a triangular prism, where the user measured angles of incidence and refraction. Initially, they successfully calculated the index of refraction using one set of angles but were confused about how to apply the same calculation to multiple angle pairs. Clarification was provided that the second question requires using the formula n = sin(angle of incidence) / sin(angle of refraction) for each set of measured angles. This approach allows for consistency checks on the calculated index of refraction. Ultimately, the lab emphasizes the importance of verifying measurements through repeated calculations.
UrbanXrisis
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I did a lab in school where I took a triangular prism and shined light though it. I measured the angle of incidence and angle of refraction for three different angles. The lab question first told me to find the index of refraction of the prism using the two angles. That was easy. The next question asked: “Using the two pairs of angles for the triangle, calculate the index of refraction for the prism for each set of angles.” I don’t know what I’m supposed to calculate here.
 
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Nevermind. I figured it out.
 


Based on the information provided, it seems like you have already successfully completed the first part of the lab by finding the index of refraction for the prism using the angle of incidence and angle of refraction. The second question is asking you to calculate the index of refraction for the prism using the two pairs of angles that you measured. This means you will need to use the formula for calculating index of refraction, which is n = sin(angle of incidence) / sin(angle of refraction). You will need to do this calculation for each set of angles that you measured and compare the results to see if they are consistent. This will help to verify the accuracy of your measurements and the index of refraction that you initially calculated.
 
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