Show the Solution to a Cartesian Oval Homework Problem

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around solving a homework problem involving a Cartesian Oval, where the goal is to demonstrate that the equation of the interface curve is l_0n_1 + l_i n_2 = K. The user has derived expressions for l_0 and l_i but is unsure how to proceed further. They mention using Snell's law and Fermat's principle, noting that the total travel time of light from point S to point P must remain constant. Ultimately, the user expresses gratitude for the assistance received, indicating that the problem has been resolved.
fluidistic
Gold Member
Messages
3,929
Reaction score
272

Homework Statement


See the picture for the situation of the problem.
I'm told that any ray starting from S and getting through the "Cartesian Oval" reach point P.
I must show that the equation of the interface curve is l_0n_1+l_i n_2=K where K is a constant.
So far I've showed that l_0=\sqrt {x^2+y^2} and l_i=\sqrt {y^2+(s_0 + s_i -x)^2}. But I remain stuck as how to proceed further.
Any idea is greatly appreciated.

Homework Equations


Snell's law? I've tried something with it but didn't reach anything.
Maybe Fermat's principle?

The Attempt at a Solution


See above.
 

Attachments

  • scan1.jpg
    scan1.jpg
    24.8 KB · Views: 464
Physics news on Phys.org


Since the points S and P are fixed, the total time taken by the light to travel from S to P must be constant.
So t1 = l1/v1 and t2 = l2/v2
Now v1 = C/n1 and v2 = C/n2, where C is the velocity of the light in vacuum.
Hence find t = t1 + t2 = ...?
 
Last edited:


rl.bhat said:
Since the points S and P are fixed, the total time taken by the light to travel from S to P must be constant.
So t1 = l1/v1 and t2 = l2/v2
Now v1 = C/n1 and v2 = C/n2, where C is the velocity of the light.
Hence find t = t1 + t2 = ...?

Thank you so much! Really bright and not complicated. Yet I totally missed it.
Problem solved!
 
Kindly see the attached pdf. My attempt to solve it, is in it. I'm wondering if my solution is right. My idea is this: At any point of time, the ball may be assumed to be at an incline which is at an angle of θ(kindly see both the pics in the pdf file). The value of θ will continuously change and so will the value of friction. I'm not able to figure out, why my solution is wrong, if it is wrong .
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...
Thread 'Correct statement about a reservoir with an outlet pipe'
The answer to this question is statements (ii) and (iv) are correct. (i) This is FALSE because the speed of water in the tap is greater than speed at the water surface (ii) I don't even understand this statement. What does the "seal" part have to do with water flowing out? Won't the water still flow out through the tap until the tank is empty whether the reservoir is sealed or not? (iii) In my opinion, this statement would be correct. Increasing the gravitational potential energy of the...
Back
Top