Question about refraction of light

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the index of refraction of acetone when light transitions from acetone to air. Using Snell's Law, the relationship is established as sin(30)/sin(42) = 1/n2, where n2 represents the refractive index of acetone. The correct calculation yields an index of refraction of approximately 1.36, which aligns with known values for acetone. The students confirm the application of Snell's Law to derive the refractive index accurately.

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  • Basic trigonometry for calculating sine values
  • Knowledge of light behavior when transitioning between different media
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kevinf
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Homework Statement



A pair of students measure the refraction of light in passing from acetone into air for several angles. When the angle of incidence is 30, the angle of refraction is 42.
(a) What is the index of refraction n of the acetone?



Homework Equations



n=c/v

The Attempt at a Solution



i am not sure if there is another way to calculate the index of refraction. i can't find v (speed of light in acetone) so i don't think the provided equation will work. is there another way to calculate it? i also searched up google for index of refraction for acetone and it gave me 1.36 but even that's not correct. any ideas?
 
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Use Snell's Law. It gives the relation between the refractive index of incident medium, sine angle of incidence, refractive index of the refracted medium and sine of the angle of refraction in the refracted medium.
 
so just to make sure it would be sin(30)/sin(42) = n2/1? i just want to make sure since this is my last try
 
kevinf said:
so just to make sure it would be sin(30)/sin(42) = n2/1? i just want to make sure since this is my last try
The light is going from acetone to air. So it should be
sin(30)/sin(42) = 1/n2
 

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