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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving a prism where the incident angle is greater than the apex angle. The original poster presents specific values for the incident angle, apex angle, and the refractive index of the prism, seeking to determine the deviation angle.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the implications of having an incident angle greater than the apex angle, questioning the validity of the setup. There are attempts to calculate the first refraction angle using Snell's Law, and discussions arise regarding the interpretation of negative angles in the context of refraction.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing guidance on how to interpret the results and suggesting that drawing diagrams may aid in understanding. The conversation reflects a mix of calculations and conceptual clarifications without reaching a definitive conclusion.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted complexity due to the relationship between the angles involved, particularly when the incident angle exceeds the apex angle, leading to questions about the physical meaning of negative angles in this context.

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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