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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on replicating Newton's optical experiments using a lens and prism setup. A lens with a 10cm focal length is used to direct sunlight onto an equilateral prism made of crown glass, with the goal of analyzing light dispersion. Participants seek to determine the distance from the lens to the prism, the angle of deviation for greenish-yellow light at 589 nm, and the necessary angle of incidence for total internal reflection within the prism. Clarifications are made regarding the terminology of "upstream" and "downstream" focal points in relation to light direction. The conversation emphasizes the need for foundational understanding to tackle the optical problem effectively.
MJPause
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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!
 
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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 ...
 

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