Optics, refraction at spherical surface

In summary, optics is the branch of physics that studies light and its behavior, including how it interacts with matter and travels through different mediums. Refraction is the change in direction of light as it passes through different mediums, caused by a change in speed. A spherical surface is a curved surface with a fixed center point and constant radius. Refraction occurs at spherical surfaces when light passes through, and it has many practical applications in the design and functioning of optical instruments and devices.
  • #1
Saitama
4,243
93

Homework Statement


(see attachment)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't quite understand the question. It asks the distance of the "unilluminated patch" from the cylinder. There will be only a single point where the rays will intersect. Rest everywhere, it is unilluminated or am I missing something?

Any help is appreciated. Thanks!
 

Attachments

  • optics.png
    optics.png
    30.2 KB · Views: 433
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi Pranav-Arora! :smile:

Hint: critical angle. :wink:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Hi Pranav-Arora! :smile:

Hint: critical angle. :wink:

Thanks a lot tiny-tim! That solved the problem in an instant. :smile:
 

FAQ: Optics, refraction at spherical surface

1. What is optics?

Optics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of light and its behavior. It includes the study of how light interacts with matter, how it is produced and detected, and how it travels through different mediums.

2. What is refraction?

Refraction is the change in direction of light as it passes through different mediums, such as air, water, or glass. This change in direction is caused by a change in the speed of light as it travels through the different medium.

3. What is a spherical surface?

A spherical surface is a curved surface that is part of a sphere. It has a fixed center point and a constant radius, which makes it symmetrical in all directions.

4. How does refraction occur at a spherical surface?

When light passes through a spherical surface, it bends or changes direction due to the change in the speed of light as it enters or exits the medium. This bending of light is known as refraction and can be calculated using the laws of refraction.

5. What are the applications of refraction at spherical surfaces?

Refraction at spherical surfaces has many practical applications, such as in the design of lenses for eyeglasses, cameras, and telescopes. It also plays a crucial role in the functioning of optical instruments and devices, such as microscopes and laser technology.

Back
Top