Refraction by a transparent spherical surface

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 reply · 13K views
bcjochim07
Messages
366
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Parallel light rays enter a transparent sphere along a line passing through the center of the sphere. The rays come to a focus on the far surface of the sphere. What is the sphere's index of refraction?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


so I used the equation that relates object distances and image distances for spherical surfaces: n1/s + n2/s' = (n2-n1)/R

I am calling the radius of the sphere R

(1.00)/s + n2/2R = (n2-1.00)/R and I think for this case s[tex]\rightarrow[/tex][tex]\infty[/tex]
so n2/2R = (n2-1)/R
n2 = 2(n2-1)
n2 = 2n2 -2
-n2=-2
so n2= 2.00 Is this correct?
 
Physics news on Phys.org