# Optics physics question

1. Nov 5, 2008

### alexmahone

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

ABCD represents a square glass block. An object O is placed near the face AB as shown. When observed from the face AD, the object will

(a) appear midway between A and B
(b) appear nearer to A
(c) appear nearer to D
(d) not be seen at all

The answer key tells me that the answer is (d) but I don't know how to prove it.

2. Relevant equations

$\frac{sin\ i}{sin\ r}=\frac{n_2}{n_1}$

3. The attempt at a solution

I was trying to show that all the rays of light from O to AD are parallel or convergent (real image) but was unsuccessful.

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Last edited: Nov 6, 2008
2. Nov 6, 2008

### tiny-tim

Re: Optics

Hi alexmahone!

This isn't a focussing problem.

Hint: choose a typical point P on AB …

draw the ray OP … where does it go … does it hit AD …

if it does, can it get out, or is it internally reflected?

3. Nov 7, 2008

### alexmahone

Re: Optics

The ray OP may escape through CD or get totally internally reflected at AD.

The minimum angle of incidence at AD is when P is very close to A.

So I only need to prove that total internal reflection occurs even when P is very close to A?

4. Nov 8, 2008

Yup!

5. Nov 8, 2008

### alexmahone

Re: Optics

But what if the rays that are totally internally reflected at AD also totally internally reflect at CD, BC and AB respectively and ultimately exit through AD?

How do I exclude this possibility?

6. Nov 8, 2008

### tiny-tim

If it reflects off one side, it'll hit the next side at the complementrary (90º -) angle, so it should get out.

Even if the refractive index was so high that it couldn't get out, it would still get back to AD at the original angle, and go round again and again!

7. Nov 8, 2008

### alexmahone

Re: Optics

Thanks so much! :)