Prism : what if incident angle is greater than apex angle?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the deviation angle of light passing through a prism with an incident angle of 60 degrees, an apex angle of 30 degrees, and a refractive index of 1.6. The first refraction angle (r1) is determined to be 32.76 degrees using Snell's Law. The second incident angle (I2) is calculated to be -2.76 degrees, indicating that it falls on the opposite side of the normal. The deviation angle can be found using the formula: deviation angle = I1 + r2 - beta, where r2 is the second refraction angle derived from I2.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law for refraction calculations
  • Knowledge of prism geometry and apex angles
  • Familiarity with the concept of incident and refracted angles
  • Basic trigonometric functions and their applications in optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the application of Snell's Law in complex optical systems
  • Learn about the behavior of light in different types of prisms
  • Explore advanced topics in geometric optics, including ray diagrams
  • Study the implications of negative angles in optics and their physical interpretations
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding light behavior in prisms and refraction phenomena.

adi adi
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Warning: Problem statement should include a description of the problem; Solution attempt must be included.

Homework Statement


incident angle : 60 degree
apex angle : 30 degree
prism refraction index : 1,6
deviation angle : ?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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You mean the angle of the prism? Why do you think it makes a problem if the angle of incidence is greater than that? What is the question?

ehild
 
if i solve this equation to find first refraction angle (r1) :
sin(I1) = np sin (r1), which (I1) is incident angle =60 degree, and np is prism refraction index = 1,6
i find r1 = 32,76 degree.
if beta = r1 + I2 , which beta is apex angle = 30 degree, and I2 is second incident angle,
i find I2 = -2,76 degree
i can't quite understand what's the meaning of (-) in my answer :/
 
adi adi said:
if i solve this equation to find first refraction angle (r1) :
sin(I1) = np sin (r1), which (I1) is incident angle =60 degree, and np is prism refraction index = 1,6
i find r1 = 32,76 degree.
if beta = r1 + I2 , which beta is apex angle = 30 degree, and I2 is second incident angle,
i find I2 = -2,76 degree
i can't quite understand what's the meaning of (-) in my answer :/
It means that the second angle of incidence falls to the opposite side of the normal. See picture. You still can use ## |I_2|=|\beta-r_1|##. The second refracted ray will travel upward, in the direction of the apex.
I suggest to draw the rays always before applying a formula.
prismneg.JPG


ehild
 
so i can still use
Deviation angle = i1+r2-beta to find second refraction angle? (r2)
thank you so much that enlightens me so much about prism.
many thanks man
 
You find r2 by applying Snell's Law for I2. And I1 and r2 and beta determine the deviation angle.

ehild
 
thank you so much.
this really helpful
 

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