Use the law of reflection and index of refraction to find apparent d

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on using the law of reflection and the index of refraction to determine the apparent depth of an object submerged in water. Participants clarify the calculations for object distance and image location, emphasizing the importance of applying refraction theory correctly. One contributor suggests imagining a cone of light from the object to analyze the angles involved in refraction. The correct approach involves using the formula for refraction and ensuring not to round off intermediate values prematurely. The conversation highlights the need for precision in calculations to arrive at accurate results.
rocapp
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Homework Statement



See image

Homework Equations



n1sin(theta1) = n2sin(theta2)
1/s + 1/s' = 1/f

The Attempt at a Solution



My question is for the second part. I think I've figured out why I got it wrong, but I'm not sure.

So since the object distance (s) should be approximately 21 cm, then you apply the refraction theory to find

s'=s*n1/n2
s'=21*(1.33)
s'=~28 cm

Is this correct?
 

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No, not correct. How did you do the first part, since it's the same kind of problem? For the second part, where is the image of the fish in the mirror? That's your "object".

Once you have the correct depth of the "object", do this. Imagine a small cone of light coming from that object extending up towards the surface. If that cone has an angle θ, what will be the angle of the cone after it leaves the water? Use that and a bit of trig to figure out the apparent depth of the object. (Assume the angles involved are small.)
 
For the first part, I used

(Na/Sa) + (Nb/Sb) = (Nb - Na) / R

1.3/6 + 1/x = nb - na / R

.217 + 1/x = nb - na / infinity

1/x = .217

x = 4.61 cm
 
rocapp said:
For the first part, I used

(Na/Sa) + (Nb/Sb) = (Nb - Na) / R

1.3/6 + 1/x = nb - na / R

.217 + 1/x = nb - na / infinity

1/x = .217

x = 4.61 cm
That's an excellent way to solve the problem. But don't round off until the end and you'll get the correct answer.

The second part can be handled the same way, once you find the correct image location.
 
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