Optics Problem: Duplicating Newton's Results with Lens and Prism

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around duplicating some of Newton's results using a lens and a prism. The problem involves a lens with a specified focal length and an equilateral prism, examining the behavior of light as it passes through the prism after being focused by the lens.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand the placement of the prism relative to the lens and the implications of the focal point. Questions about the meaning of "downstream" focal point and its significance in the setup are raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on the terminology used in the problem setup. Some have begun to interpret the implications of the focal point's position, but no consensus has been reached regarding the specific calculations or approaches to the questions posed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of focal points in optics, as well as the specific properties of the prism and lens involved in the problem. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity on the setup before proceeding with calculations.

MJPause
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
We wish to attempt to duplicate some of Newton's results with a lens and prism. A lens with focal length 10cm is placed in a ray of sunlight, and a prism is placed at the "downstream" focal point of the lens. The light passing through the prism is broken into its component colors. If it is an equilateral prism (all of the prism angles are 60 degrees), made of crown glass (n=1.52), and the light is incident at a 30 degree angle to one face of the prism:

a. how far from the lens is the prism placed?
b. what is the angle of deviation for light (greenish yellow) of wavelength 589 nm?
c. what angle of incidence is required for total internal reflection within the prism?

I have no idea how to start or do this problem. HELP!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
MJPause said:
and a prism is placed at the "downstream" focal point of the lens.

what does this statement means>?
 
If f (which is the distance from the focal point to the lens) is positive, then the "upstream" focus is on the side of the incoming light and the "downstream" focus is on the side of the ongoing light.
 
so for a
you already specified that prism is at downstream focal point ...
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Prism Spectrometer Objective: Optics Question
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
Intensity of Light Through Pentaprism Including Reflections
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
4K
Solving an Optics Exam Problem: Interference Fringes
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K
5 Questions dealing with Optics, image included
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Angle of Incidence on a spherical lens
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solve 3 Optic Problems in 2 Days
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Prism Optics Range of Refraction Angles
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
9K
Graduate When should I analyze optical problems using ray tracing vs. wavefront analysis?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Optics: Total Internal Reflection with Triangular Prisms
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
6K
Calculating Angle of Deviation in a Prism
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K