Solving Snell's Law Problem: Find Refractive Index at Height h

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To solve the problem of finding the refractive index of air at height h based on the angle θ at which a man can see a mirage, Snell's law is applied. The approach involves dividing the air into infinitesimal strips at a constant height and determining the relationship between the change in angle and the change in refractive index. A challenge arises in establishing the initial value of θ and incorporating height h into the calculations. The discussion emphasizes that small angle approximations can be utilized due to the smallness of θ. Clarification and guidance on these aspects are sought from others in the forum.
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Homework Statement


A man, height h, can see a mirage at angles less than a known angle \theta to the horizontal. The refractive index of air is at ground level is known. Find the refractive index of air at height h.

Homework Equations


Snell's law: n1 sin(\theta 1)=n2 sin(\theta2) where angles are measured relative to the normal of the boundary.
I'm assuming it's a normal mirage, i.e. can see an image of the sky in the ground.

The Attempt at a Solution


My plan was to split the air up into infintesimal stips at constant height, find d\theta as a function of d(refractive index) and integrate to find \theta as a function of refractive index. The problem I have is I don't know what the initial value of theta is, and I obviously need to include h somewhere.
If anyone could point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it.
Thanks
 
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Has anyone got any ideas? I should have said theta is very small, so small angle approximations are fine where appropriate.
Thanks
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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