Radius of curvature of partially cut glass surface

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the radius of curvature of a partially cut glass surface, with the center of curvature located within the denser medium (glass). It is argued that this positioning should yield a positive radius of curvature, as the center is below point Q. However, the textbook notes suggest a negative radius due to the concave nature of the surface relative to the refracting medium. Clarification is provided regarding sign conventions, indicating that if the center of curvature is on the same side as the incoming light, the radius is negative. Understanding these conventions is crucial for accurately determining the radius of curvature in optical contexts.
desmond iking
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Homework Statement


when the glass is partially cut( as shown in the photo ) , the centre of curvature is inside the denser medium (glass), so the centre of curvature should be lower than point Q in the diagram . am i correct? by saying that the centre of curvature is inside the denser medium , the radius of curvature should be positive ( upload error, so i attached the image directly here ) , but the notes from my book give sample ans which the radius of curvature is negative because the object is concave relative to the refracting surface.


how can the notes spherical surface convex to the less dense medium or C in the denser medium correct?
v2XU7gh.jpg



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution

 

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desmond iking said:

Homework Statement


when the glass is partially cut( as shown in the photo ) , the centre of curvature is inside the denser medium (glass), so the centre of curvature should be lower than point Q in the diagram .
I don't see a point Q in any of the attachments.
 
Simon Bridge said:
I don't see a point Q in any of the attachments.

point Q is here. refer to the latest attachment please.
 

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Oh OK - the top of the block is 3cm above Q, which is on the table top. It's radius of curvature is 10cm.
Therefore the center of curvature is below the table-top.

If the center of curvature is on the same side as where the light comes from, then it's sign is negative.
Please review: http://www.math.ubc.ca/~cass/courses/m309-01a/chu/MirrorsLenses/refraction-curved.htm
Let Side A of an optical component be the side from which light starts, and let Side B be the side to which light travels. With mirrors, Sides A and B are identical. If s is the source distance, i is the image distance, R is the radius of curvature, and f is the focal length, then, our sign conventions are as follows.

* The sign of s is determined by Side A. If the source is on Side A, s is positive; if it is on the side opposite to Side A, s is negative.
* The signs of i, R, f are determined by Side B. For the image and the focal point, their measurements are positive if they are on Side B, and negative if they are on the side opposite to Side B. R is positive provided the centre of curvature is on Side B; it will be negative if it is on the side opposite Side B.
* It cannot be stressed enough that for a mirror, Sides A and B are the same.​
 
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