Optics: Total internal reflection problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving total internal reflection in a swimming pool with a lamp placed at the bottom. The critical angle for light transitioning from water to air is calculated to be 48.75 degrees using the formula θc = sin-1(n(air)/n(water)). The challenge lies in determining the distance a man in a canoe can paddle before losing sight of the lamp, which requires the application of right triangle geometry to find the distance along the water's surface.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law and refractive indices
  • Knowledge of total internal reflection principles
  • Familiarity with right triangle geometry
  • Basic skills in trigonometric calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Snell's Law and its applications in optics
  • Explore the concept of critical angles in different mediums
  • Learn how to apply trigonometric ratios in real-world problems
  • Investigate practical examples of total internal reflection in fiber optics
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of total internal reflection and its applications in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement



A lamp is placed in the center at the bottom of a 2m deep swimming pool. The lamp emits light in all directions. Starting from a point directly above the lamp, a man in a canoe paddles until he no longer can see the lamp. How far did he paddle the canoe? Assume that the sides of the pool do not reflect light.

n(water) = 1.33
n(air) = 1

Homework Equations


Total internal reflection: θc = sin-1 n(air)/n(water)

The Attempt at a Solution


I've found that the critical angle is θc = 48.75. However, I cannot seem to find the similar triangles required to find the distance.
 
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You'll want a right triangle. The lamp is the vertex at the bottom and the hypotenuse is a ray from the lamp that hits the water surface at the critical angle (measured from the normal).
 

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