Reflection loss and refractive index

Puchinita5
Messages
178
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



"Calculate the reflection loss when a beam of radiant energy passes through an empty quartz cell assuming the refractive index of quartz is 1.55"

Homework Equations



I/I_i = ((n2-n1) / (n2+n1))^2

The Attempt at a Solution

I'm taking the refractive index through the empty cell to be 1 (is that right?)I/I_i = ((n2-n1) / (n2+n1))^2
= ((1.55-1)/(1.55+1))^2 = 0.047 or 4.7%

The answer in the back of the book is 17.3 %

what am i doing wrong?
 
If the light is passing through the quartz, how many times does it get refracted?

You are right in assuming the refractive index inside is 1.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
1K