Solve Snell's Law Problem: Determine θ

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To solve the Snell's Law problem regarding the angle θ for a fish looking up from 30 cm below the water's surface, the relevant equation is n1*sin(theta 1) = n2*sin(theta 2), with n1 as 1 (air), n2 as 1.33 (water), and theta 1 as 90 degrees. The calculations show that sin(90)/1.33 equals sin(theta 2), leading to sin(theta 2) = 1/1.33, which results in theta 2 being approximately 48.75 degrees. Initial attempts yielded incorrect values, but after reevaluation, the correct angle was confirmed. A clear mindset can help resolve such confusion in calculations.
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Homework Statement


A fish is 30 cm below the surface of a lake.
If he looks up he can see the entire sky compressed in a cone of angle θ, because of refraction of light at the water surface. (θ is the angle between the cone axis and the cone surface.) Determine θ.

Homework Equations


n1*sin(theta 1)=n2*sin(theta 2)
n1=1
n2=1.33
theta 1=90
theta 2=?


The Attempt at a Solution


sin(90)/1.33=sin(theta 2)
sin-1(0.672177943)=42.24 degrees


This doesn't seem to be the answer though...

Any help?
 
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i do it i get:

1sin90 = 1.33sin(theta 2)
1 = 1.33sin(theta 2)
1/1.33 = sin(theta 2)
.7518796992 = sin(theta 2)
sin-1(.7518796992) = 48.75 degrees
 
Man, what the heck was I doing? I did it again and I got the same answer as you, which is the correct answer...

I swear I just do things wrong 10 times in a row for no reason...

Thanks for the help!
 
no problem...i am the same way sometimes.

sometimes you just need a clear head to straighten it out.
 

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