Solve Optics Problems: Goldfish Eye & Spherical Refraction

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on solving optics problems related to a goldfish's eye and spherical refraction. The first problem involves calculating the apparent position and linear magnification of a goldfish's eye using the refractive index of water (1.333) and the radius of the bowl (10cm). The second problem addresses a spherical refracting surface that forms a real image twice the size of the object, requiring the determination of the refractive index of glass. Key equations used include Lreduced = n/l and magnification formulas, with specific attention to sign conventions in optics.

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  • Understanding of basic optics principles, including refraction and magnification.
  • Familiarity with the lens maker's equation and sign conventions in optics.
  • Knowledge of refractive indices, specifically for air and water.
  • Ability to apply geometric optics concepts, such as similar triangles.
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  • Learn about the application of sign conventions in optics problems.
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Students studying optics, physics educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of refraction and image formation in optical systems.

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Problem 1

Homework Statement



A goldfish's eye is 4cm from the surface of a spherical goldfish bowl of radius 10cm. Neglecting the thickness of the glass, find the apparent position and linear magnification of the eye to an observer if the refractive index of the water is 1.333. (Hint: have the light traveling from left to right to meet the surface of the bowl)

From "Optics" 2nd edition 1996 by AH Tunnacliffe and JG Hirst. Pg 62, Question 20

Homework Equations



(1) Lreduced' - Lreduced = F

(2) Lreduced = n/l L'reduced=n'/l'

(3) h'/h = Lreduced/L'reduced

(4) (n'-n)/r = F

The Attempt at a Solution



Using (1) and (2)
n'/l' - 1/l = (1-1.333)/(-0.1)

L' - 1.333/(-0.04) = 3.33
L' = -29.95
l' = -0.03334m

Magnification
L/L' = (1.333/-0.04)/(-29.95) = 1.11

That gives me the right answers, but I'm really confused why that is.

Should I do this problem with r = +0.04 or -0.04?
Why, for L, would I treat n as 1 when it's on the side of the water?
Why doesn't n1/n2 = real depth/apparent depth work?

Problem 2

Homework Statement


A spherical refracting surface, separating air from glass, forms a real image twice the size of the real object. If the image is 6 times as far from F' as the object is from F', find the refractive index of the glass.

From same source as above but Q24

Homework Equations


xx' = ff'
h'/h = Lbar/Lbar'
F = -n/f
F = n'/f'
L' - L = F

The Attempt at a Solution



h' = 2h2h/h = Lbar/Lbar'
2 = Lbar/Lbar'

Lbar=1/l (because in air)
l = x+f

Lbar' = n'/l'
l' = 6x + f' (because image's x is 6x object's x)

2 = Lbar/Lbar'
2 = (1/(x+f))/(n'/(6x+f'))
2 = (6x + f')/((x + f)n')
2n'x + 2n'f = 6x + f'

This is where I wonder whether the f's are equal and if not, what they are. I've found introducing r from F=(n'-n)/r (as f = -n/F and f' = n'/f') makes it even more muddled

THANK YOU!
 
Last edited:
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For your first question, you get the right answers because you did it right.
As for the sign convention, generally the direction of the ray of incident light is taken to be positive.

You do take n=1 for the outside because that's the refractive index of air. The bowl is kept in air, and the fish is in water, so n=1 for air and n=1.33 for water.

n2/n1 doesn't work because that is the condition for normal viewpoint. As the rays of light arent incident normally, this doesn't work. The process is the same.

L'/L works because that's approximately equal to the ratio of the height of the object to the height of the image. You can prove this using similar triangles. Its quite straightforward.
 
For your second question, l=x-f and l'=6x+f, and unless something else is given, I think you'll have to keep the answer in terms of the radius of curvature of the refracting surface.
 

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