Ray Refraction: Finding the depth of a pool

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the depth of a swimming pool based on light refraction principles. The problem states that a 4.0m wide pool is completely shaded when the sun is at an angle of 20 degrees above the horizon. Using Snell's Law, the user deduces that the angle of refraction in the water is 45 degrees, leading to a calculated depth of 4m. This conclusion is reached through the application of trigonometric principles alongside the Law of Refraction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law and its application in optics
  • Basic trigonometry, particularly involving right triangles
  • Knowledge of angles of incidence and refraction
  • Familiarity with the concept of total internal reflection
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of Snell's Law in various mediums
  • Explore trigonometric functions and their applications in real-world problems
  • Investigate the principles of light behavior in different refractive indices
  • Learn about total internal reflection and its implications in optics
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics and light behavior, as well as educators looking for practical examples of Snell's Law and refraction in real-world scenarios.

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Homework Statement


A 4.0m wide swimming pool is filled to the top. The bottom of the pool becomes completely
shaded in the afternoon when the sun is 20 degrees above the horizon. How deep is the pool?


Homework Equations


[tex]\theta[/tex] = arcsin(n2/n1)
n1sin[tex]\theta[/tex]1= n2sin[tex]\theta[/tex]2




The Attempt at a Solution


The main thing that I don't understand about this problem is that if the bottom of the pool
is shaded then that means light is not reaching the bottom right? I have only seen problems where something under the surface emitting light has total internal reflection.
Could somebody please explain this to me.

Thanks in advance.
 
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Sketch a ray coming up from the far end of the bottom of the pool to the surface at the near end, refracting (angle change) at the surface and heading off at an angle of 20 degrees above the water/ground. Beginning with the 20 degrees and using the Law of Refraction (Snell's Law) you can deduce the angle in the water and then the depth.
 
Ok, so using snells law I found the angle to be 45 degrees and then using trigonometry I found the height to be 4m. Is this right? I don't have the answer to the problem so I don't know.

Thanks a bunch for your help delphi.
 

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