How Does Light Refraction Affect Displacement in a Glass Medium?

AI Thread Summary
Light refraction in a glass medium causes a displacement when a ray of light transitions from one medium to another. The discussion revolves around deriving the formula d = t*sin(theta1)*(1 - (n1*cos(theta1) / n2*cos(theta2))). Participants emphasize the importance of drawing a diagram to visualize the angles and the relationship between the incident and refracted rays. Understanding the parallel nature of the incident and final refracted rays is crucial for solving the problem. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the role of trigonometry in connecting the angles and calculating the displacement.
Pixter
Messages
29
Reaction score
0
Okej have a piece of glass with refractive index n2 and tickness t.

A ray of light falls on the glass with the angle theta1 (from a medium with recrative index n1).

In the glass the ray has the angle theta2 and when it exits it has now got the displacement d (compared with the ray that went from air to glass).

Now show that the formula d=tsin(theta1)(1-(n1cos(theta1) / n2cos(theta2)) is correct.

I know it is suppose to be simple trig, but the only thing i can even figure out to do is that 90-theta1 = theta ... then I'm stuck.. can't see how to connect anything. please give me some hints.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Have you drawn a diagram? Hint: the incident ray and the the final refracted ray should be parallel.
 
Hootenanny said:
Have you drawn a diagram? Hint: the incident ray and the the final refracted ray should be parallel.

yeah they are parallel of course.. but just finding the displacement of them..

have done a diagram as well. but as I said I can't figure out what to start with. can't see the trig stuff in it =(
 
Hootenanny said:
Have you drawn a diagram? Hint: the incident ray and the the final refracted ray should be parallel.
Oki done it know.. and it made perfect sense..=)
 
Last edited:

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Optics: refraction and reflection
Replies
1
Views
2K
Optics. A laser beam is refracted in a piece of glass.
Replies
1
Views
2K
Angular spread of light rays passing through a prism
Replies
6
Views
5K
The refractive index of an unknown liquid
Replies
1
Views
3K
Refraction of Light question assistance needed
Replies
3
Views
2K
Diffraction grating problem involving Snell's Law
Replies
3
Views
5K
Index of when refraction/optics question
Replies
1
Views
2K
Solve Snell's Law: Glass Cube Refractive Index = 1.77
Replies
8
Views
5K
Multiplayer Refraction, Incident Angle
Replies
3
Views
11K
Find Angle of Reflection for Snell's Law Q w/ GaP Index
Replies
4
Views
3K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top