Solving Refractive Indexes Homework: Wavelength & Index of Refraction

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving the refractive index of glass and the wavelength of light as it transitions from a vacuum to glass. The original poster presents a scenario with specific angles of incidence and refraction, seeking to find the refractive index and the wavelength of light in the glass.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the application of Snell's law and the definition of refractive index. The original poster attempts to apply Snell's law but expresses uncertainty about their calculations. Others question the understanding of the refractive index and its relationship to the speed of light.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the concepts involved, with some participants providing clarifications on Snell's law and the refractive index. The original poster has made attempts to solve the problem but has not yet reached a consensus or resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of understanding the definitions and relationships between the variables involved, such as the speed of light in a vacuum and the nature of wavelengths in different media. The original poster mentions having limited information, which may affect their ability to solve the problem.

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Homework Statement


A beam of light from a laser in a vacuum has a wavelength of 632.8nm and is incident on the surface of a glass slab. In the vacuum the beam make an angle of 32degrees witht the normal to the surface, while in the glass is makes an angle of 21.0degrees with the normal.

a)what is the index of refraction of the glass?

b)what is the wavelength of light in the glass?


Homework Equations


snell's law

wavelength1/wavelength2=n1/n2



The Attempt at a Solution



i know the wavelength is 632.8 so i tried subbing them into snells law and got
632.8sin32=n2sin21
but the answer i got couldn't be right, its 243 and this could be the refractive index.

hellppp!
 
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Check what is Snell's law exactly.

ehild
 
snell's law= n1sinangle1=n2singangle2
 
It is OK, but 632.8 nm is wavelength, not refractive index. What is the refractive index of vacuum?

ehild
 
the only other information i have is the speed of light in vacuum which is 3x10^8
 
And how is the refractive index defined?

ehild
 
when vi=c do you make it
sinangle=nsinangle and solve for n?
 
yes.ehild
 
thanks for your help!
 
  • #10
sin32=nsin21 just writing it here so i remember when i come back
 
  • #11
anotherperson said:
sin32=nsin21 just writing it here so i remember when i come back

Yes, evaluate.

ehild
 
  • #12
yep, thanks!
 

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