Homework Help: Small problem

1. Jun 9, 2009

Awsom Guy

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
To find the total internal reflection.
This equation should give me 1.48 as the answer but it doesn't. Can you please give me other ways to figure this out. I really need this.

2. Relevant equations
n1sin1Ө=n2sin2Ө
n1 = 1
n2 =?
sin1Ө = 44 degrees
sin2Ө = 48 degrees

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Jun 9, 2009

Cyosis

Show us your work so far. Also the sine of an angle can't be equal to some degrees. Do you mean that $\theta_1=44^\circ , \theta_2=48^\circ$?

3. Jun 9, 2009

CompuChip

What precisely do you want to find, n2?

What do you mean by "sin1Ө" and "sin2Ө"? Are they the sines of Ө and two times Ө, or the sines of two different angles (Ө1 and Ө2)? Also, the sine of an angle is not measured in degrees, so what are the last two lines? Did you mean that Ө is 44 and/or 48 degrees?

4. Jun 9, 2009

Awsom Guy

yes i do mean that.

5. Jun 9, 2009

Awsom Guy

Yes that is exactly it.

6. Jun 9, 2009

Awsom Guy

We arranged the semi circular slab so that a single light ray strikes the curved side and passes through to the other side. We then turned the semi circular slab and turned until there was no refraction. That is when we found out when total internal reflection happened.
Now I don't know how to get the results for this. That is my problem. The above eqaution was meant to be used, but it might not be the answer.