Refraction of light in three mediums

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the refraction of light as it passes through three different mediums with varying indices of refraction. In the first case, the indices are n1 = 1.1, n2 = 1.6, and n3 = 1.9, while in the second case, n2 is adjusted to 1.5. The participants analyze the relationship between angles of incidence and refraction using Snell's Law, concluding that the ratio R, defined as sin(theta 3') / sin(theta 3), should equal 1. However, there is uncertainty about whether this conclusion is correct, as it suggests that the index of refraction of the middle medium does not affect the final angle of refraction. The discussion highlights the complexities of applying Snell's Law in multiple mediums.
arnavchhabra
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1. 2 cases:
there are three mediums
first case: light travels from first medium to second, then to third. n1 = 1.1; n2 =1.6; n3 =1.9
angle of incidence before first = theta 1
angle of refraction after first = theta 2
angle of refraction after second = theta 3

second case:
light travels through three mediums
n1' = n1
n2' = 1.5
n3' = n3
theta 1' = theta 1




2. R = sin theta 3' / sin theta 3
what should be the value of R?




3. I keep getting 1. I donno why though?
 
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Snell's Law for the general case says that n1sin(theta1) = n2sin(theta2) and since the angle into the second interface is the same as the angle out of the first interface, n2sin(theta2) = n3sin(theta3). So n1sin(theta1) = n3sin(theta3). So the index of refraction of the middle medium doesn't change the final angle out. That's the meaning of R=1, right?
 
yes...i don't think its right though
 
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