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

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the deviation angle of a prism when the incident angle exceeds the apex angle. An incident angle of 60 degrees and an apex angle of 30 degrees are given, with a prism refractive index of 1.6. The first refraction angle (r1) is calculated to be 32.76 degrees, leading to a second incident angle (I2) of -2.76 degrees, indicating that the ray refracts on the opposite side of the normal. The participants clarify that the deviation angle can still be determined using Snell's Law and the relationship between the angles involved. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of visualizing ray paths in prism problems.
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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