Optics question - coin at the bottom of a swimming pool

  • Thread starter Thread starter Genericcoder
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Optics Swimming
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the apparent depth of a coin at the bottom of a swimming pool filled with water (refractive index n = 1.33) at a depth of 2.16 meters. For part a, the apparent depth is determined at near normal incidence. In part b, the user questions the need for theta2 to solve the equation dapp = tan(theta1) / tan(theta2) * d, where theta1 is given as 35.0 degrees. The application of Snell's Law is suggested to find theta2, which is essential for completing the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Knowledge of refractive indices, specifically for water (n = 1.33)
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions, particularly tangent
  • Basic concepts of apparent depth in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Snell's Law and its applications in optics
  • Learn about the calculation of apparent depth in different media
  • Explore the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction
  • Investigate the effects of varying refractive indices on light behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students studying optics, physics enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding light behavior in different mediums, particularly in practical scenarios like viewing objects underwater.

Genericcoder
Messages
130
Reaction score
0
Optics question -- coin at the bottom of a swimming pool



The apparent depth of a pool depends on the angle of viewing. Suppose that you place a coin at the bottom of a swimming pool filled with water (n = 1.33) to a depth of 2.16m.
Find the apparent depth of the coin below the surface when viewed. a) at near normal incidence nd b)By rays that leave the coin making an angle of 35.0 with the normal to the bottom of the pool.


I solved part a but for part b what I don't understand is don't we need to know theta2 aswell
like here we know that


dapp = tan(theta1) / tan(theta2) * d;

where d is 2.16 and theta 1 = 35.0 don't we need to know theta2 to solve this ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


Can't you use Snell's law to calculate theta2?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
11K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Replies
13
Views
14K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K