Path of Light Through a Circular Raindrop

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Tasha9000
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Path of Light Through a Circular (Spherical) Raindrop

Homework Statement



I need to draw an accurate diagram of a light ray's path through a circular raindrop.
-The angle of incidence is 25degrees.
-The radius is 4.15cm
-n of water is ~1.33
-n of air is ~1.000293

I can calculate the first angle of refraction, but I cannot calculate the angle at which the light ray reflects from the raindrop. It does not say how in my textbook :frown:. Where is the normal?

Homework Equations



Snell's Law
nAsinA=nBsinB

The Attempt at a Solution



https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23940&d=1267138827g

angle of refraction:

B=sin-1((1.000293sin(25degrees))/1.33)=18.533
 
Last edited:
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Can somebody please help?:frown:
 
Is this right or completely wrong?
https://www.physicsforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=23944&d=1267153824
(except with the arrows pointing the correct way)
 
This is a sphere, so the normal at any point is the line that passes through the point, through the center, and straight to the other side.
 
Thanks!
I'm going to guess this is the correct answer:
 

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