Simple Law of Refraction Problem

  • Thread starter Thread starter opticaltempest
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Law Refraction
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a student's confusion regarding a Law of Refraction problem from their textbook. They are unsure how to apply Snell's Law and whether to measure angles relative to a specific line segment. The importance of measuring angles with respect to the normal is emphasized as a key step in solving the problem. Participants suggest focusing on the angles of line segments b and c in relation to line segment a. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for clarity in applying the principles of refraction and Snell's Law.
opticaltempest
Messages
135
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I am studying the Law of Refraction. I am at a point in my textbook called a "checkpoint". These are supposed to be simple questions to test understanding. I'm apparently not understanding thus far because I cannot figure out this problem.

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/7029/refractionqn3.jpg

Homework Equations


Snell's Law?

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm sure the angles of line segments b and c (relative to a?) will be the determining factor. Since the problem says "original materials a" does that mean we measure all angles relative to line segment a? How do I proceed more mathematically on this problem - perhaps using Snell's law?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Physics news on Phys.org
Definitely use Snell's law. Measure angles with respect to the normal, as usual with Snell's law.
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Optics: refraction and reflection
Replies
1
Views
2K
Previous university exam problem on refraction (that I think is wrong)
Replies
14
Views
4K
Solve Snell's Law: Glass Cube Refractive Index = 1.77
Replies
8
Views
5K
A Interpretation of a complex angle of refraction
Replies
1
Views
1K
Deviation in refraction and TIR
Replies
2
Views
2K
Applying Snell's Law Inside & Outside a Prism
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculating Index of Refraction with Wavelength
Replies
1
Views
2K
When can internal reflection be used to find the index of refraction
Replies
4
Views
2K
How to Apply Snell's Law Without Knowing the Index of Refraction?
Replies
4
Views
1K
Refraction and Snell's Law, A complex question
Replies
12
Views
5K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top